Legal Definitions - Census Bureau

The Census Bureau is the primary agency of the U.S. federal government responsible for collecting, compiling, and analyzing a wide range of demographic and economic data about the American people and economy.

Its most well-known task is conducting the constitutionally mandated decennial census, which counts every resident in the United States every ten years. However, the Census Bureau also conducts numerous other surveys and censuses throughout the decade, providing vital statistics that inform government policy, business decisions, and public understanding of the nation.

Here are some examples of the Census Bureau's work:

• Apportioning Congressional Seats: After the decennial census is completed, the Census Bureau provides the official population counts for each state. These numbers are then used to determine how many seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives for the next ten years. For instance, if a state's population has grown significantly, it might gain an additional congressional seat, while a state with slower growth or decline might lose one. This illustrates the Census Bureau's fundamental role in shaping political representation.

• Informing Business Investment: A national retail chain considering opening new stores in a particular region might consult data published by the Census Bureau, such as population density, average household income, and age demographics for various counties. If the data shows a growing population of their target customers with disposable income in a specific area, they might decide to invest there. This demonstrates how the Census Bureau's economic and demographic statistics are crucial tools for strategic business planning.

• Guiding Community Development: A city government applying for federal grants to improve public transportation might use data from the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) to demonstrate the need for improved services. For example, they might highlight statistics showing a high percentage of residents who commute using public transit, or a significant portion of the population without access to personal vehicles. This illustrates how the Census Bureau's ongoing data collection helps local governments secure funding and make informed decisions about community infrastructure and services.