United States census
| United States census | |
|---|---|
 The Bureau of the Census is part of the United States Department of Commerce. | |
| Genre | census |
| Frequency | Decennial |
| Locations | 4600 Silver Hill Road Suitland, Maryland 20746 |
| Country | United States |
| Inaugurated | August 2, 1790 |
Most recent | April 1, 2020 |
Next event | April 1, 2030 |
| Website | www |
The United States census (plural censuses or census) is a decennial census that is legally mandated by the Constitution of the United States. The first census after the American Revolution was taken in 1790 under Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson. There have been 24 federal censuses since that time. The census includes territories of the United States. The United States Census Bureau is responsible for conducting the census.
The most recent national census took place in 2020; the next census is scheduled for 2030. Since 2013, the Census Bureau began discussions on using technology to aid data collection starting with the 2020 census. In 2020, every household received an invitation to complete the census over the Internet, by phone or by paper questionnaire. For years between the decennial censuses, the Census Bureau issues estimates made using surveys and statistical models, in particular, the Population Estimates Program and American Community Survey.
From 1940 to 2000, the census had a "long form" version, sent to only a subset of the households, with additional questions about socioeconomic and housing characteristics.
The United States census is distinct from the Census of Agriculture, which has been the responsibility for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) since 1997. It is also distinct from local censuses conducted by some states or local jurisdictions.