OCT. 3, 2024 — The U.S. Census Bureau today released new data from Phase 4.2 of the experimental Household Pulse Survey (HPS). The HPS is an effort by the Census Bureau and other federal statistical agencies to measure how emergent issues are impacting U.S. households from a social and economic perspective.

Phase 4.2 includes new, reinstated and updated questions. Some previously asked questions have been removed.

New:

• Access to transportation.
• Access to the internet.

Reinstated:

• Shortage of critical items.

Updated:  

• Response options for the ages of children.
• School enrollment.

Removed:

• Babies or infants in the household.
• Unemployment insurance items.

In addition, Phase 4.2 includes a test of several different ways to collect income and expense information to determine which option lowers respondent burden and increases response rates in internet mode.

The Census Bureau is set to release data from this phase September 12 and October 3. HPS results are available on our website via the Household Pulse Survey Interactive Tool, detailed tables and a public-use data file.

Phase 4.2 marks the final phase of the Household Pulse Survey. Beginning in October, HPS will transition to a longitudinal design that will continue to address the need for timely data and ensure long-term sustainability. In January 2025, HPS will be relaunched as the Household Trends and Outlook Pulse Survey (HTOPS), utilizing a panel design comparable to surveys like the Survey of Income and Program Participation. For more information about the new panel survey, visit Evolving the Household Pulse Survey.

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