MARCH 30, 2023 — Today, the U.S. Census Bureau begins accepting requests for special census cost estimates. The Special Census Program is offered each decade to provide local jurisdictions with an enumeration of their population, housing units, group quarters and transitory locations between decennial censuses. The program previously closed on Sept. 30, 2018, to accommodate the taking of the 2020 Census. The program resumes today and will conclude by Sept. 30, 2028, ahead of the 2030 Census.

The Census Bureau conducts special censuses on a cost-reimbursable basis, which means the governmental unit that requests a special census reimburses the Census Bureau for all costs of the count. Before commencing any work, the jurisdiction receives a cost estimate from the Census Bureau so that the fee and scope of work can be formalized.

Local officials may be interested in requesting a special census if they believe their community’s population size or demographic composition changed considerably after the 2020 Census, for example, because of annexation or new construction. A special census cannot review or recount 2020 Census results but may be used to update the Census Bureau’s population estimates. Special census results will be designated as official census statistics that the jurisdiction can decide to use in accordance with applicable law, such as potentially helping it acquire state or federal funding.

Local officials can request a full or partial special census. Both types are conducted the same way, but a partial special census typically covers a much smaller area than a full special census. For example, governmental units may choose to conduct a partial special census of only selected areas within their jurisdictions — covering at least one full 2020 Census tabulation tract — that might have experienced large population growth or a boundary change.

More information about the program, including eligibility requirements and cost information, is available on the Special Census Program webpage. The official population and housing unit counts from the 2000 and 2010 Special Census Program are available on the Official Census Statistics Released to Government Units webpage.

No news release associated with this announcement. Tip sheet only.