How are Census Data Used

How are Census Data Used

Census data are widely and wisely used. Census data are used in many ways. Some examples include: 

Distribution of more than $675 billion annually in federal funds back to tribal, state, and local governments.

  • Redistricting of state legislative districts.

  • Forecasting future transportation needs for all segments of the population. 

  • Determining areas eligible for housing assistance and rehabilitation loans.

  • Assisting federal, tribal, state, and local governments in planning and implementing programs, services, and emergency response.

  • Designing facilities for people with disabilities, the elderly, and children.


50 Ways Census Data Are Used*

•  Decision making at all levels of government.

•  Drawing federal, state, and local legislative districts.

•  Attracting new businesses to state and local areas.

•  Distributing over $300 billion in federal funds and even more in state funds.

•  Forecasting future transportation needs for all segments of the population.

•  Planning for hospitals, nursing homes,  clinics, and the location of other health services.

•  Forecasting future housing needs for all segments of the population.

•  Directing funds for services for people in poverty.

•  Designing public safety strategies.

•  Development of rural areas.

•  Analyzing local trends.

•  Estimating the number of people displaced by natural disasters.

•  Developing assistance programs for American Indians and Alaska Natives.

•  Creating maps to speed emergency services to households in need of assistance.

•  Delivering goods and services to local markets.

•  Designing facilities for people with disabilities, the elderly, or children.

•  Planning future government services.

•  Planning investments and evaluating financial risk.

•  Publishing economic and statistical reports about the United States and its people.

•  Facilitating scientific research.

•  Developing "intelligent" maps for government and business.

•  Providing proof of age, relationship, or residence certificates provided by the Census Bureau.

•  Distributing medical research.

•  Reapportioning seats in the House of Representatives.

•  Planning and researching for media as backup for news stories.

•  Providing evidence in litigation involving land use, voting rights, and equal opportunity.

•  Drawing school district boundaries.

•  Planning budgets for government at all levels.

•  Spotting trends in the economic well-being of the nation.

•  Planning for public transportation services.

•  Planning health and educational services for people with disabilities.

•  Establishing fair market rents and enforcing fair lending practices.

•  Directing services to children and adults with limited English language proficiency.

•  Planning urban land use.

•  Planning outreach strategies.

•  Understanding labor supply.

•  Assessing the potential for spread of communicable diseases.

•  Analyzing military potential.

•  Making business decisions.

•  Understanding consumer needs.

•  Planning for congregations.

•  Locating factory sites and distribution centers.

•  Distributing catalogs and developing direct mail pieces.

•  Setting a standard for creating both public and private sector surveys.

•  Evaluating programs in different geographic areas.

•  Providing genealogical research.

•  Planning for school projects.

•  Developing adult education programs.

•  Researching historical subject areas.

•  Determining areas eligible for housing assistance and rehabilitation loans.


*From the 2020 Census Complete Count Committee Guide