Planning for the 2030 Census is now underway and includes conducting research and testing to inform the selection of the 2030 Census operational design.

This design will have to address multiple factors including: a constrained fiscal environment, rapidly changing technology, distrust in government, declining response rates, an increasingly diverse population, informal and complex living arrangements, and a mobile population.

To develop the design, we will factor in public feedback, new research, past census experiences and lessons learned, evolving technology, and the changing world.

We will announce updates related to 2030 Census testing and research on this webpage.

Random Samplings Blog

2030 Census Planning: What 2024 Brings

As we embark on a new year filled with possibilities, it’s time to share exciting updates and innovations that will shape the 2030 Census.

Random Samplings Blog

How the Census Bureau Is Optimizing Its Research and Testing Strategy for the 2030 Census

Today we’re making the first in a series of major announcements about preparations for the 2030 Census.

Video

2030 Census Research, Testing, and Timeline

This video is a recording of the live webinar, “2030 Census Research, Testing, and Timeline,” which was held on July 27, 2023.

2030 Census Research

Our research approach involves developing over 50 research projects that are grouped in five focus areas, which we call Enhancement Areas, as well as other research and improvements conducted throughout the decade.

These are being informed by lessons learned from the 2020 Census, stakeholder input, and results of 2020 Census evaluations, assessments, and experiments.

2030 Census Research Project Explorer

Learn about each of the research projects underway to inform 2030 Census planning. Search by Enhancement Area and topic of interest.

2030 Census Research Project Explorer

Public Feedback on 2030 Census Research

Understanding Hard-to-Count and Historically Undercounted Populations

Research Will Help Enumerate Undercounted People in the 2030 Census

Continuous Count Study

2030 Census Research Project Explorer

Learn about each of the research projects underway to inform 2030 Census planning. Search by Enhancement Area and topic of interest.

2030 Census Testing

Throughout the decade, we will perform several tests to shape and inform the final 2030 Census design. These tests will refine the operations and technologies that worked successfully for the 2020 Census and also introduce additional innovations for the 2030 Census.

Major Field Tests

Major field tests require substantial logistical commitment, including dedicated office structures and staffing, to conduct.

2026 Census Test

The 2026 Census Test is the first major field test for the 2030 Census and will serve as a trial of the enhanced processes and methods.

The 2028 Census Dress Rehearsal will be the second major field test, and Census Day will be April 1, 2028. We expect this field test to be similar in scope to our 2018 End-to-End Census Test, and it will serve as a dry run of operations and the handoffs between them.

Small-Scale Testing

Small-scale testing is designed to gather data about proposed enhancements for the 2030 Census design. This testing is ongoing through 2029, and we will use our findings to inform, enhance and refine 2030 Census operations.

2023 Census Test

The 2023 Census Test is a small-scale test providing insight into how people engage with the online questionnaire and the invitation materials received.

2024 Census Survey

The 2024 Census Survey is a small-scale test providing insight into how people engage with the online questionnaire and the invitation materials received.

Page Last Revised - May 10, 2024

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