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.
• 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
