Governments FAQs

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Governments FAQs

The U.S. Census Bureau began collecting data from governments during the 1840 census, when U.S. marshals gathered information about schools and school attendance. Since that time, governments' data collection has expanded to include a quinquennial census and numerous surveys.

These questions are a few of those frequently asked about the history of the Census Bureau's collection of data from governments.

The Census Act of 1839 provided for the collection of statistics pertaining to "the pursuits, industry, education, and resources of the country." As a result, the 1840 census was the first in which governments were asked about the numbers and kinds of schools and pupils.

The Census Act of 1839 [1.5 MB]

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The U.S. Census Bureau has conducted a census of governments every 5 years, in years ending in "2" and "7" since 1957. This census, authorized by Title 13, U.S. Code, requires participation of all state and local governments in the United States, including counties, cities, townships, special districts, and school districts.

Census of Governments History

The Census Act of 1840 provided for the collection of statistics pertaining to "the pursuits, industry, education, and resources of the country."

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Page Last Revised - August 14, 2024

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