Evaluation of the quality of the data collected in the 1990 Census of Population and Housing is important for both data users and census planners. Users must have knowledge of the accuracy and reliability of the data to make informed decisions about how errors in the data may affect conclusions drawn. Census planners need similar information to develop and test methods to improve the overall quality of the data produced in future censuses.
Census statistics date back to 1790 and reflect the growth and change of the United States. Past census reports contain some terms that today’s readers may consider obsolete and inappropriate. As part of our goal to be open and transparent with the public, we are improving access to all Census Bureau original publications and statistics, which serve as a guide to the nation's history.