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The '''United States Census''' is a decennial survey operated by the U.S. Census Bureau to establish demographic information about the nation's population. |
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| == Geography == | == Design == |
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| The Census follows this hierarchy: | === Geographies === The census publishes data by several geographic levels: |
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| * demographically and economically homogeneous with a population of around 4,000 * usually follow visible features like rivers * reviewed every decade for subdivision, but generally tracts can be tracked over time |
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| * usually between 250 and 550 housing units | |
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| * usually follow city blocks * change every decade, cannot be tracked |
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| Tracts are demographically and economically homogeneous with a population of around 4,000. Tract boundaries are usually visible features (i.e. rivers). Tracts are reviewed every decade for subdivision but generally are static. | |
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| Block groups usually have between 250 and 550 housing units. | |
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| A census block is the smallest geographic unit used. Blocks are often the same as ordinary city blocks, bounded by roads. Blocks change every decade. | === Frequency === The census is conducted every 10 years. ---- == History == The first censuses in the United States were administered by U.S. marshalls. The '''Census Office''' was established in 1840 to centralize this administration. |
United States Census
The United States Census is a decennial survey operated by the U.S. Census Bureau to establish demographic information about the nation's population.
Design
Geographies
The census publishes data by several geographic levels:
- states
- counties
- tracts
- demographically and economically homogeneous with a population of around 4,000
- usually follow visible features like rivers
- reviewed every decade for subdivision, but generally tracts can be tracked over time
- block groups
- usually between 250 and 550 housing units
- blocks
- usually follow city blocks
- change every decade, cannot be tracked
Frequency
The census is conducted every 10 years.
History
The first censuses in the United States were administered by U.S. marshalls. The Census Office was established in 1840 to centralize this administration.