America is Changing, and so is the Census

One of the most significant changes in modern census history will occur in 2010 —for the first time since 1930, all addresses in the U.S. will receive a census short form.

In recent censuses, most addresses received one of two forms: either the short form, which focused on the population count and demographics; or the long form, which included additional questions on socioeconomic and housing characteristics.

Nationwide, about one-in-six addresses in 2000 received the long form. Together, the two parts of the decennial census showed not only the number of people living in America but also the way we live: education, housing, jobs and more. This information will still be part of the decennial census, but it will be collected on a continuing basis as part of the American Community Survey.

Although the U.S. Census Bureau’s Population Estimates Program provides estimates of population and housing in the years between censuses, there were no updates on the estimates for the long form’s characteristics data. Our nation is not static, however, and communities need current data to make informed decisions.

After a decade of testing and development, the Census Bureau launched the American Community Survey (ACS) in January 2005. The ACS is officially part of the decennial census and includes essentially the same questions as the long form. But rather than once a decade, the ACS is sent to a rolling sample of addresses every month, every year, throughout the nation. By 2010, the new survey will yield current annual data for all geographic areas of the country in the form of single- or multiyear estimates.

For more information about the American Community Survey, please visit the Census Bureau Web page at www.census.gov/acs.

Topics in the 2010 Census
Demographic Characteristics: Age | Sex | Hispanic Origin | Race | Relationship | Home: Owned or Rented?

Additional Topics in the American Community Survey

Social Characteristics: Marital Status | Marital History | Fertility | Grandparents as Caregivers | Ancestry | Place of Birth, U.S. Citizenship and Year of Entry | Language Spoken at Home | Educational Attainment and School Enrollment | Residence 1-Year Ago | Veteran Status: Disability Rating and Period of Service

Economic Characteristics: Income | Food Stamps Benefit | Labor Force Status | Industry, Occupation, and Class of Worker | Place of Work and Journey to Work | Work Status Last Year | Vehicles Available | Health Insurance Coverage

Housing Characteristics: Year Structure Built | Units in Structure | Year Moved into Unit | Rooms | Bedrooms | Plumbing | Kitchen Facilities | House Heating Fuel | Telephone Service Available | Home Value | Rent | Mortgage Status | Selected Monthly Owner Costs
—U.S. Census Bureau