We consult external stakeholders throughout the decade, including government agencies, tribal governments, oversight entities, the general public, and respondents.

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Planning for the 2030 Census is Underway

Planning for the 2030 Census began in 2019. We are now in the Development and Integration Phase. This phase focuses on ongoing research, testing (including the 2026 Census Test and the 2028 Dress Rehearsal), adjustments based on results of testing, and, lastly, continuing operational planning. This work enables an efficient and accurate count in 2030.

The 2030 Census will count residents of the United States and five U.S. territories and will mark the 25th population count in the United States.

The data collected by the census is used to determine the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives (a process called apportionment) and is also used to adjust or redraw electoral districts based on where populations have increased or decreased. The results also inform decisions about allocating hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding to communities across the country—for hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and other critical programs and services.

New to the 2030 Census? Watch an overview here. Learn about the history of the decennial census.

Getting Ready for the 2026 Census Test

The 2026 Census Test is the first of two major on-the-ground tests planned in preparation for the 2030 Census.

Learn about what and where we're testing and how we used data to select test sites.

Getting Ready for the 2026 Census Test

The 2026 Census Test is the first of two major on-the-ground tests planned in preparation for the 2030 Census.

Learn about what and where we're testing and how we used data to select test sites.

Designing the Census

Learn about how we plan to carry out the 2030 Census and the different sources that provide input into the operational design or high-level plan for conducting the 2030 Census.

Recent Updates, News and More

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Research Recommendations: Inputs for the 2030 Census Operational Plan

Building on lessons learned from 2020 and prior censuses and incorporating valuable input, we have now finished the Design Selection Phase.

Research Recommendations: Inputs for the 2030 Census Operational Plan

Census Bureau Announces Sites for 2026 Census Test

Testing Our Innovations

Steering Committee Members Sought for Data User Groups

Research Recommendations: Inputs for the 2030 Census Operational Plan

Building on lessons learned from 2020 and prior censuses and incorporating valuable input, we have now finished the Design Selection Phase.

View All News

2030 Census Activities

Learn about our 2030 Census programs, operations, planning and more. We will update this section throughout the decade with new information, tools, and resources.

2030 Census Webinar Series

The 2030 Census webinar series provides updates and lays the groundwork for key components of preparations for the 2030 Census.

2026 Census Test Site Selection

This video is a recording of the live webinar, "2026 Census Test Site Selection", which was held on July 22, 2024.

Watch the Video

2026 Census Test Scope

This video is a recording of the live webinar, "2026 Census Test Scope", which was held on April 30, 2024.

Watch the Video

2030 Census Federal Register Notice (FRN) Findings

This video is a recording of the live webinar, "2030 Census Federal Register Notice (FRN) Findings," which was held on October 17, 2023.

Watch the Video

View All Webinars

Looking for more information?

Page Last Revised - April 16, 2025

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