United States Census 447689 225835935 2008-07-15T16:56:19Z 152.130.15.14 /* Sixteenth Census of the United States (1940) */ The '''United States Census''' is a decennial [[census]] mandated by the [[United States]] [[United States Constitution|Constitution]].<ref>[[Wikisource:Constitution of the United States of America|Constitution of the United States]], Article 1, Section 2: "The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct."</ref> The population is enumerated every 10 years and the results are used to allocate [[List of United States Congressional districts|Congressional seats]] ([[congressional apportionment]]), [[U.S. Electoral College|electoral votes]], and government program funding.<ref name=factfinder>{{cite web |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/jsp/saff/SAFFInfo.jsp?_pageId=sp4_decennial&_submenuId= |title=Decennial Census |accessdate=2008-24-02 |publisher=American FactFinder}}</ref> Some states or local jurisdictions also conduct [[Census#Local|local censuses]]. The census is performed by the [[United States Census Bureau]]. The first census after the [[American Revolution]] was taken in [[United States Census, 1790|1790]] under [[Secretary of State]] [[Thomas Jefferson]]; there have been 21 federal censuses since that time.<ref name=factfinder /> The [[United States Census, 2000|last national census]] was held in [[2000]], and the [[United States Census, 2010|next census]] is scheduled for [[2010]]. Decennial U.S. Census figures are based on actual counts of persons dwelling in U.S. residential structures. They include citizens, non-citizen legal residents, non-citizen long-term visitors, and [[Illegal immigration|illegal immigrants]]. In recent censuses, estimates of uncounted housed, homeless, and migratory persons have been added to the directly reported figures. For years between the decennial censuses, the Census Bureau issues estimates made using surveys and statistical models. The practice of including non-citizens in the official census figures is highly controversial as the census is used for the apportionment between the states of seats in the [[United States House of Representatives|House of Representatives]], and derived from that, of electors to the [[United States Electoral College|Electoral College]]. The Census also employs the practice of using hot deck [[Imputation (statistics)|imputation]] to assign data to housing units where occupation status is unknown. This practice has effects across many types of areas but is seen by some as controversial because it may increase representation for reliably [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] districts. However, the practice was ruled constitutional by the [[Supreme Court of the United States|U.S. Supreme Court]] in ''[[Utah v. Evans]]''. Groups like the [http://www.prisonpolicy.org Prison Policy Initiative] assert that the census practice of counting prisoners as residents of prisons, not their pre-incarceration addresses, leads to misleading information about racial demographics and population numbers. [http://www.prisonersofthecensus.org/impact.html] ==Census data and questionnaires== The census records and data specific to individual respondents is not available to the public until 72 years after they were taken but detailed statistical data derived from the census is freely available contemporaneously. Every census up to [[United States Census, 1930|1930]] is currently available to the public and can be viewed on [[microfilm]] released by the [[National Archives and Records Administration]], the official keeper of old federal census records. These census records are also available online from various sources such as [http://www.ancestry.com Ancestry.com] and [http://www.familysearch.com FamilySearch.com], which have all released census records available for a subscription. The [[United States Census, 1940|1940 census]] will be available for public review in [[2012]]. Data is available for all surviving census records, including recent records up to the 2000 census, for research purposes from [[IPUMS]] USA. Further, scanned copies of each of the decennial census questionnaires distributed in the United States from [[United States Census, 1960|1960]] forward are available on-line from [[IPUMS]] International.<ref>{{cite web | title=Homepage | work=IPUMS USA | url=http://www.ipums.org/usa/index.html | accessmonthday=December 17 | accessyear=2005}}</ref> The contemporaneous statistical data is available in various formats from the Bureau with one of the more popular formats being as layers formatted for the public-domain [[GIS]] tool, [[LandView]]. ==History of the U.S. Census== Censuses had been taken prior to the Constitution's ratification; in the early [[1600s]], a census was taken in [[Virginia]], and people were counted in nearly all of the British colonies that became the [[United States]]. Down through the years, the country's needs and interests became more complex. This meant that there had to be statistics to help people understand what was happening and have a basis for planning. The content of the decennial census changed accordingly. In [[United States Census, 1810|1810]] the first inquiry on manufactures, quantity and value of products; in [[United States 1840 Census|1840]] inquiries on fisheries were added, and in [[United States Census, 1850|1850]], the census included inquiries on social issues, such as taxation, churches, pauperism and crime. The censuses also spread geographically, to new States and Territories added to the Union, as well as to other areas under U.S. sovereignty or jurisdiction. There were so many more inquiries of all kinds in the census of [[United States Census, 1880|1880]] that almost a full decade was needed to publish all the results. In response to this from 1890 the census was mechanised with tabulating machines made by [[Herman Hollerith]] which reduced the processing time to two and a half years<ref>Martin Campbell-Kelly and William Aspray, "Computer a History of the Information Machine - Second Edition", Westview Press, pages 14-19 2004</ref>. For the first six censuses ([[United States Census, 1790|1790]]-[[United States Census, 1840|1840]]) enumerators recorded only the names of the heads of household and did a general demographic accounting of the remaining members of the household. Beginning in [[United States Census, 1850|1850]], all members of the household were named by the enumerator. The first slave schedules were also done in 1850, with the second (and last) in [[United States Census, 1860|1860]]. Censuses of the late 19th century also included agricultural and industrial schedules to gauge the productivity of the nation's economy. Mortality schedules (taken between 1850 and [[United States Census, 1880|1880]]) captured a snapshot of life-spans and causes of death throughout the country. The first nine censuses (1790-[[United States Census, 1870|1870]]) were not managed by the [[United States government#Executive branch|Executive Branch]], but by the [[United States government#Judicial branch|Judicial Branch]]. The United States Federal Court districts assigned U.S. marshals, who hired assistant marshals to do the actual census-taking. === First Census of the United States (1790) === {{main|United States Census, 1790}} The [[United States Census, 1790|first Census]] was taken [[August 2]], [[1790]]. The federal census records for the first census are missing for five states: [[Delaware]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]], [[Kentucky]], [[New Jersey]] and [[Virginia]]. They were destroyed some time between the time of the census-taking and 1830. The census estimated the population of the United States at 3,929,214. === Second Census of the United States (1800) === {{main|United States Census, 1800}} The [[United States Census, 1800|second Census]] was taken [[August 4]], [[1800]]. === Third Census of the United States (1810) === {{main|United States Census, 1810}} The [[United States Census, 1810|third Census]] was taken [[August 6]], [[1810]]. === Fourth Census of the United States (1820) === {{main|United States Census, 1820}} The [[United States Census, 1820|fourth Census]] was taken [[August 7]], [[1820]]. === Fifth Census of the United States (1830) === {{main|United States Census, 1830}} The [[United States Census, 1830|fifth Census]] was taken [[June 1]], [[1830]]. === Sixth Census of the United States (1840) === {{main|United States Census, 1840}} The [[United States Census, 1840|sixth Census]] was taken [[June 1]], [[1840]]. The census estimated the population of the United States at 17,100,000. The results were tabulated by 28 clerks in the Bureau of the Census. === Seventh Census of the United States (1850) === {{main|United States Census, 1850}} The [[United States Census, 1850|seventh Census]] was taken [[June 1]], [[1850]]. The 1850 census was a landmark year in American census-taking. It was the first year in which the census bureau attempted to count every member of every household, including women, children and slaves. Accordingly, the first slave schedules were produced in 1850. Prior to 1850, census records had only recorded the name of the head of the household and broad statistical accounting of other household members, (three children under age five, one woman between the age of 35 and 40, etc.). === Eighth Census of the United States (1860) === {{main|United States Census, 1860}} The [[United States Census, 1860|eighth Census]] estimated the population of the United States at 31,400,000. The results were tabulated by 184 clerks in the Bureau of the Census. This was the first census where the American Indians officially were counted, but only those who had 'renounced tribal rules'. The figure for the nation was 40,000. === Tenth Census of the United States (1880) === {{main|United States Census, 1880}} The [[United States Census, 1880|tenth Census]] estimated the population of the United States at 50,189,209. This was the first census that permitted women to be enumerators. === Eleventh Census of the United States (1890) === {{main|United States Census, 1890}} The [[United States Census, 1890|eleventh Census]] was taken [[June 1]], [[1890]]. The 1890 census announced that the frontier region of the United States no longer existed and therefore the tracking of westward migration would no longer be tabulated in the census. This trend prompted [[Frederick Jackson Turner]] to develop his milestone [[Frontier Thesis]]. The 1890 census was the first to be compiled on a [[tabulating machine]], developed by [[Herman Hollerith]]. This introduction of technology reduced the time taken to tabulate the census from seven years for the 1880 census to two and a half years for the 1890 census. The total population of 62,622,250 was announced after only six weeks of processing. Ironically, the public reaction to this tabulation was disbelief, as it was widely believed that the "right answer" was at least 75,000,000. The logistical difficulties in compiling the census drove [[computing technology]] for the next fifty years until computers became widespread in industry. [[IBM]]'s first [[electronic computer]] was created primarily to deal with the needs of the census in addition to [[military]] and [[academic]] uses. This census is also notable for the fact it is one of only three for which the original data is no longer available. Almost all the population schedules were destroyed in a fire in 1921. === Fourteenth Census of the United States (1920) === {{main|United States Census, 1920}} The [[United States Census, 1920|fourteenth Census]] estimated the population of the United States at 106,021,537. This was the first census that recorded a population exceeding 100 million. === Fifteenth Census of the United States (1930) === {{main|United States Census, 1930}} The [[United States Census, 1930|fifteenth Census]] was taken on [[April 2]], [[1930]], except in [[Alaska Territory]], where census-taking began [[October 1]], [[1929]]. === Sixteenth Census of the United States (1940) === {{main|United States Census, 1940}} The [[United States Census, 1940|sixteenth Census]] was taken on [[April 1]], [[1940]]. Because of a [[Title 44 of the United States Code|72-year privacy law]], this census will not be available for public inspection until [[April 1]], [[2012]]. === Seventeenth Census of the United States (1950) === {{main|United States Census, 1950}} The [[United States Census, 1950|seventeenth Census]] was taken on [[April 1]], [[1950]]. Because of a 72-year privacy law, this census will not be available for public inspection until [[April 1]], [[2022]]. === Eighteenth Census of the United States (1960) === {{main|United States Census, 1960}} The [[United States Census, 1960|eighteenth Census]] was taken on [[April 1]], [[1960]]. Because of a 72-year privacy law, this census will not be available for public inspection until [[April 1]], [[2032]]. === Nineteenth Census of the United States (1970) === {{main|United States Census, 1970}} The [[United States Census, 1970|nineteenth Census]] was taken on [[April 1]], [[1970]]. Because of a 72-year privacy law, this census will not be available for public inspection until [[April 1]], [[2042]]. === Twentieth Census of the United States (1980) === {{main|United States Census, 1980}} The [[United States Census, 1980|twentieth Census]] was taken on [[April 1]], [[1980]]. Because of a 72-year privacy law, this census will not be available for public inspection until [[April 1]], [[2052]]. === Twenty-first Census of the United States (1990) === {{main|United States Census, 1990}} The [[United States Census, 1990|21st Census]] was taken on [[April 1]], [[1990]]. Because of a 72-year privacy law, this census will not be available for public inspection until [[April 1]], [[2062]]. === Twenty-second Census of the United States (2000) === {{main|United States Census, 2000}} The [[United States Census, 2000|22nd Census]] took place on [[April 1]], [[2000]]. Because of a 72-year privacy law, this census will not be available for public inspection until [[April 1]], [[2072]]. ==Respondent confidentiality== The sole purpose of the censuses and surveys is to secure general statistical information. Replies are obtained from individuals and establishments only to enable the compilation of such general statistics. The confidentiality of these replies is very important. By law, no one &mdash; neither the census takers nor any other Census Bureau employee &mdash; is permitted to reveal identifiable information about any person, household, or business. Without such protections, certain people living illegally in the United States or in any other way hiding from the government would be deterred from submitting census data. ===Historical FBI abuses of census data=== As with any large collection of personal data which can be traced back to individual persons, the potential for abuse of census data exists. During the period of 1939–1941, the FBI, using primarily census records, compiled the ''[[Custodial Detention index]]'' ("CDI") on citizens, "enemy" aliens and foreign nationals who might be dangerous, which later led to [[Japanese American Internment|large-scale internment of Japanese-Americans]]. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?articleID=A4F4DED6-E7F2-99DF-32E46B0AC1FDE0FE&sc=I100322|title=Confirmed: The U.S. Census Bureau Gave Up Names of Japanese-Americans in WW II|date=2007-03-30|publisher=Scientific American}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-03-30-census-role_N.htm|title=Papers show Census role in WWII camps|date=2007-03-30|publisher=USA Today}}</ref> ==Data analysis== ===Regions and divisions=== [[Image:US Census geographical region map.png|right|thumb|US Census Bureau Population Regions]] The bureau recognizes four census [[region]]s within the United States, and further organizes them into nine divisions. These regions are groupings of states that subdivide the United States for the presentation of data. They should not be construed as necessarily being thus grouped owing to any geographical, historical, or cultural bonds. <table class="wikitable"> <tr><th colspan="4">US Census Regions <tr><th valign="top">Region 1: [[U.S. Northeast|Northeast]] <th valign="top">Region 2: [[Midwest]] <th valign="top">Region 3: [[U.S. Southern states|South]] <th valign="top">Region 4: [[Western United States|West]] <tr><td valign="top"> *Division 1: [[New England]] *Division 2: [[Middle Atlantic States|Middle Atlantic]] <td valign="top"> *Division 3: [[East North Central States|East North Central]] *Division 4: [[West North Central States|West North Central]] <td valign="top"> *Division 5: [[South Atlantic States|South Atlantic]] *Division 6: [[East South Central States|East South Central]] *Division 7: [[West South Central States|West South Central]] <td valign="top"> *Division 8: [[Mountain States|Mountain]] *Division 9: [[Pacific States|Pacific]] </table> ===Quantitative state rankings=== In the last decade, the Census Bureau has begun to rank the states of the Union in qualitative terms based on their quantitative figures so that people can more easily understand the changing dynamics of the country. The goal of this effort is to stir up national pride and understanding along with governmental participation at the state and federal level. ==See also== * [[United States Census Bureau]], the federal agency tasked with implementing the Census * [[IPUMS]], a database providing statistical samples of census data * [[Race (U.S. Census)]] * [[HUD USER]] * [[Regulatory Barriers Clearinghouse]] * [[Metropolitan Statistical Area]] (MSA) an area that includes adjacent communities to major cities. * [[Combined Statistical Area]] (CSA) an area that combines adjacents MSAs. * [[Micropolitan Statistical Area]] * [[Census Designated Place]] (CDP) an area that is not part of an incorporated city but has an identity. ==References== ===Notes=== {{reflist}} ===General references=== * Anderson, Margo J. "Encyclopedia of the U.S. Census". Washington, DC: CQ Press, 2000. ISBN 1-56802-428-2. * Campbell-Kelly, Martin, and Aspray, William. ''Computer: A History of the Information Machine''. New York: Basic Books, 1996. ISBN 0-465-02990-6. * Lavin, Michael R. "Understanding the Census: A Guide for Marketers, Planners, Grant Writers, and Other Data Users". Kenmore, N.Y. : Epoch Books, 1996. ISBN 0-89774-995-2. ==External links== * [http://www.census.gov ''U.S. Census Bureau'']: Official site :* [http://www.census.gov/main/www/cen2000.html Census 2000 gateway] via Census Bureau :* [http://www.census.gov/population/www/pop-profile/profile2000.html Population Profile of the United States: 2000] via Census Bureau :* [http://www.census.gov/population/pop-profile/2000/profile2000.ppt Population Profile Introductory slide show], in [[Microsoft PowerPoint|MS Powerpoint]] format via Census Bureau :* [http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/ State and County QuickFacts], the most requested information via Census Bureau :* [http://factfinder.census.gov American FactFinder], for population, housing, economic, and geographic data via Census Bureau :* [http://www.census.gov/history Census Bureau History], providing historical information about the Census Bureau and its activities * [http://libraries.mit.edu/guides/types/census/sources.html Sources of U.S. Census Data], MIT Libraries (list of web resources useful to researchers) * [http://www.censusscope.org ''CensusScope'']: Data summaries, charts, maps, and graphs of U.S. Census Data. *[http://www.newhorizonsgenealogicalservices.com/mortality-schedule.htm U.S. Federal and State Census Mortality Schedules 1850-1880] * [http://people.howstuffworks.com/census.htm ''howstuffworks.com'']: How the Census works * [http://www.mla.org/census_main MLA Language Map] from the [[Modern Language Association]] *{{gutenberg author | id=U.S._Census_of_population_and_housing | name=U.S. Census of population and housing}} *[http://fisher.lib.virginia.edu/collections/stats/histcensus/index.html Historical US Census Browser] *[http://www.mortalityschedules.com U.S. Federal Census Mortality Schedules 1850-1880] *[http://www.census-charts.com/index.html Census: State and metropolitan area data in table/chart format] *[http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?articleid=A4F4DED6-E7F2-99DF-32E46B0AC1FDE0FE The U.S. Census Bureau Gave Up Names of Japanese-Americans in WW II] ''Scientific American'' [[30 March]] [[2007]] {{USCensus}} {{-}} {{Template:Social surveys}} [[Category:Demographics of the United States]] [[Category:Decennial federal censuses of the United States]] [[bg:Преброяване на населението на САЩ]] [[pl:Spis ludności Stanów Zjednoczonych]]