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Topics
Data & Maps
Surveys & Programs
Resource Library
Modernizing Federal Statistics
Evolving to Meet 21st Century Data Needs
At the Census Bureau, trail-blazing is part of our DNA. We strive to innovate and advance the science behind the nation’s statistical infrastructure.
Today, the nation demands data about our people, places and economy that is more timely, accurate, and granular than ever before. New technology and data science make that possible in ways barely conceivable just a generation ago.
Big Data. Limitless cloud storage. Artificial intelligence. Faster processing. Growing broadband access. We are working to safely and securely leverage these and other modern-day tools to produce the data the nation needs.
But along with these advances come new threats, both to the security of our data and to the identity of our respondents. The Census Bureau has a legal and moral commitment to protect the data we collect and publish. We are trail-blazing in these areas, too.
Throughout, we are guided by evidence on what works and what changes are needed. This allows us to operate more efficiently, respect our respondents, and to prepare our work force for future opportunities and challenges.
Read more about a few of the innovations that are transforming the Census Bureau below.
“As we advance into the 21st Century, we are experiencing increased demand for our data, struggling with challenges to traditional data collection methods, and exploring rich new data sources and tools that can revolutionize what we do and how we do it. Our success critically depends on our ability to seize the opportunities in front of us to deliver statistical products that address the increasingly complex and diverse needs of our users.”
— Ron Jarmin, Deputy Director of the U.S. Census Bureau
Latest Updates
Random Samplings Blog
Changing Small Habits Can Lead to Transformation
It’s up to all of us to build the Census Bureau of the 21st century – one that provides our users the high-quality data they need to thrive in a changing world.
Random Samplings Blog
Modernizing How We Get You the Data: Data.census.gov
The U.S. Census Bureau is exploring rich new data sources and tools that will revolutionize how we produce timely and granular data on our nation's people, places, and economy.
New Data Sources and Products
Creating Experimental Data Products
Compiling near-real-time data on COVID-19’s impact via text and email is just one example of innovative methods we’re experimenting with.
Linking Census Data with Existing Data for Powerful Results
By reusing data that already exists elsewhere, and linking it to census and survey data, we can produce a fuller portrait of the nation’s people and economy.
Preventing Unnecessary Census Visits
Learn how the 2020 Census used existing data to identify vacant or nonexisting housing, saving approximately 19 million costly follow-up visits.
Building Evidence on What Works
We produce the federal statistics that help government measure how well it’s doing. It’s at the core of our mission.
Opening New Doors with Big Data
“Big Data” is being combined with other data sets to reveal patterns not previously discoverable. It’s also helping fill in gaps or replace survey questions.
The Opportunity Project: Sparking Private Sector Data Solutions
We help teams use federal open data to build solutions to our nation’s toughest challenges.
Maximizing Operational Efficiency
Building a Data-Centric Business Ecosystem
Optimizing foundational operations for a world driven by and dependent on
accurate, timely and relevant data.
Better Resiliency Through Systematic Risk Monitoring
The new Enterprise Fusion Center monitors risks and reports key data to stakeholders before a disruption escalates in severity, making the Census Bureau more resilient.
2020 Census: Verifying Addresses with Aerial Imagery
By comparing older and newer aerial images we cut the number of addresses we had to verify on the ground by two-thirds – about 95 million addresses.
Harnessing the Power of Administrative Data
“OnTheMap” combines state jobs data with census data. See how it helped states recover after Hurricane Sandy.
Building a Better Customer Experience
Improving Your Survey Experience
Our surveys depend on your willingness to participate. See how the nation’s largest household survey is working to make your experience as easy as possible.
Easier Access to the Data You Need: data.census.gov
We moved data into a centralized place and made it more intuitive so you can spend less time searching for data and content and more time using it.
Providing an Avenue for Concerns: The Respondent Advocates
Our Respondent Advocates will help you resolve any issues or concerns about your survey experience.
Easy Access to COVID-19 Planning Data
A new COVID-19 Data Hub is giving decision-makers a one-stop data source for COVID-19 impact planning.
Safe and Secure for the Digital Age
Protecting Against Modern Identity Threats
A new cryptography-inspired system will prevent hackers from uncovering the people behind 2020 Census statistics. Watch this video to learn more.
Stopping Scams and False Rumors
Our Trust and Safety Team partnered with the big tech giants to flag and correct false information that threatened 2020 Census participation.
Page Last Revised - April 1, 2024
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