What is the difference between the decennial census and the American Community Survey?

The decennial census is a population and housing count conducted every 10 years and designed to count every U.S. resident. The American Community Survey is an ongoing annual survey that provides information about the population, housing and workforce and helps communities target services and resources.

How does census data affect congressional apportionment and redistricting?

Decennial census data determine the number of U.S. House seats each state has through apportionment. The data are also used to draw congressional and state legislative district boundaries through redistricting.

What other censuses does the Census Bureau conduct?

The Economic Census is the federal government’s official five-year measure of American businesses and the economy. The Census of Governments occurs every five years, in years ending in 2 and 7, and covers the state and local government sector.