Research Guides: U.S. Census and Demographic Information: Decennial Census Data

2020 Decennial Census

The 2020 Census is part of the decennial census program mandated by the US Constitution. The decennial census is used for apportioning Congressional seats, as well as many other purposes, such as demographic research, allocating funding, and informing public policy. The 2020 questionnaire is short, covering these topics:

Race
Ethnicity
Sex
Age
Household Relationship
Housing Tenure (own or rent)

data.census.gov
data.census.gov is an online source for accessing population, housing, economic and geographic data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Users can create thematic maps from the table view of a product. For more information, please read More information section.
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To creata a map, user must select at least 2 like geopgraphies (e.g. 2 or more states, or 2 or more counties) to map. Creat a Map tutorial is as follows: http://factfinder2.census.gov/help/en/tutorials/createmap_tut.htm.
About the 2020 Census
The 2020 Questionnaire
The 2020 Census form
Census Glossary
Definitions of terms used in Census data
Census 2020 Data Release Schedule

Social Explorer for Decennial Census Data from 1790 to most recent

Social Explorer This link opens in a new window
This program is the easiest-to-use method for accessing and mapping decennial Census and American Community Survey (ACS) data. Unlike American Factfinder, it contains both historical and current data in one place. Currently Social Explorer has less 2010 data than American Factfinder (AFF has the 2010SF1) .

For ACS data, to access Margins of Error (MOE) in Social Explorer, make sure you are using the Census Bureau's tables. Social Explorer defaults to using their tables, which are cleaned up, easier to use versions of census data. These are appropriate for some uses, but researchers needing more authoritative data and especially those needing Margins of Error will have to switch to the ACS tables, in the tables portion of the process of selecting data in "Reports".

Last Updated: Nov 21, 2024 10:18 AM

Subjects: Government, Politics & Law

Tags: census data, clarklibrary, government, statistics