About the U.S. Census Bureau
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About the United States Census Bureau
The following offers summary information about various components and functions of the U.S. Census Bureau. More detailed information about each of the following areas may be obtained at U.S. Census Bureau.
Mission of the U.S. Census Bureau
To serve as the leading source of quality data about the nation's people and economy.
Authority of the U.S. Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau operates under Title 13 and Title 26, of the U.S. Code.
Goal of the U.S. Census Bureau
The goal of the U.S. Census Bureau is to provide the best mix of timeliness, relevancy, quality, and cost for the data we collect and services we provide.
Careers in the U.S. Census Bureau
The Jobs@Census site provides prospective employees information on positions available at the Census Bureau.
What Data is Collected by the U.S. Census Bureau - How Often the Data is Collected
- Population & Housing Census - every 10 years
- Economic Census - every 5 years
- Census of Governments - every 5 years
- American Community Survey - annually
- U.S. Census Bureau surveys - both Demographic & Economic
- Economic Indicators - each indicator is released on a specific schedule, see the Economic Indicator Calendar
Ways the Data is Used
Data is used to determine the distribution of Congressional seats to states.
- Mandated by the U.S. Constitution
- Used to apportion seats in the U.S. House of Representatives
- Used to define legislature districts, school district assignment areas and other important functional areas of government
Data is used to make decisions about what community services to provide, such as:
- Provide services for the elderly
- Where to build new roads and schools
- Where to locate job training centers
Data is used to distribute more than $400 billion in federal funds to local, state and tribal governments each year. Census data affects how funding is allocated to communities for:
- Neighborhood improvements
- Public health
- Education
- Transportation
- and more
Data is used to provide "Age Search" information for:
- Qualifying for Social Security and other retirement benefits
- Passport applications
- Proving relationship in settling estates
- Researching family history or a historical topic
U.S. Census Bureau Surveys
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American Community Survey (ACS)
The American Community Survey (ACS) is an ongoing survey that provides data every year - giving communities the current information they need to plan investments and services. Information from the survey generates data that help determine how more than $400 billion in federal and state funds are distributed each year.
The ACS is an annual national survey collected monthly providing communities with reliable and timely demographic, housing, social, and economic data every year.
Current Population Survey (CPS)
The Current Population Survey (CPS), sponsored jointly by the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), is the primary source of labor force statistics for the population of the United States. The CPS is the source of numerous high-profile economic statistics, including the national unemployment rate, and provides data on a wide range of issues relating to employment and earnings. The CPS also collects extensive demographic data that complement and enhance our understanding of labor market conditions in the nation overall, among many different population groups, in the states and in substate areas.
The Current Population Survey (CPS) is a monthly survey of about 50,000 households conducted by the Census Bureau for the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The survey has been conducted for more than 50 years. Data about children are collected annually as part of the Annual Social and Economic Supplement (ASEC).
Data about children are available for the U.S. from 1960 to the present.
Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP)
The Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) is a longitudinal survey of demographic information, income, labor force characteristics, and program participation in the United States. Supplemental topical modules are included on a rotating basis and include questions on topics such as child well-being, child care and detailed household relationships.
Data about children are available for the U.S. for each panel starting in 1991.
Decennial Census
The Decennial Census occurs every 10 years, in years ending in zero, to count the population and housing units for the entire United States. Its primary purpose is to provide the population counts that determine how seats in the U.S. House of Representatives are apportioned.
Data about children are available for the U.S., states, counties, and subcounty statistical areas (such as zip codes and block groups), from 1790 to the present.
Survey of Market Absorption
The Survey of Market Absorption (SOMA), sponsored by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), uses the Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction (SOC) as its sampling base. Each month, a sample of residential buildings containing five or more units is selected for SOMA. The initial 3-month interview collects information on amenities, rent or sales price levels, number of units, type of building, and the number of units taken off the market (absorbed). Field representatives conduct subsequent interviews, if necessary, at 6, 9, and 12 months after completion. Beginning in 2002, the survey started collecting information on “Senior Housing”.
Quarterly reports, including basic tabulations, are published and released on the Internet. These quarterly reports are generally available the first week of March, June, September, and December. Additionally, data on absorption rates for selected metropolitan areas are also released on the Internet at the same time. Pre-publication data, detailing information for regular rental units and condominiums is published approximately one month earlier. There are also two annual publications released on the internet, the H-130 Annual which provides 12-month absorption data for the previous year and is released the first week April and the H-131 Characteristics of Apartments Report which provides annual 3-month absorption rates - released the first week of July.
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Albany County
