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We’ve come a long way sincethe first census in 1790 thatcounted 3.9 million people.Then the census was taken inthe 13 original states, plus thedistricts of Kentucky, Maine,Vermont, and the SouthwestTerritory (of Tennessee).Federal Marshalls asked sixquestions: name of head offamily and number of personsin household and the numberof persons in each householdof the following descriptions:Free White males 16 years andupward, free White malesunder 16 years, free Whitefemales, all other free persons(by sex and color) and slaves.

In the 210 years since thefirst census, the census hasgrown to a sophisticated tool.Census 2000, taken April 1,2000, counted 281,421,906people in the 50 states and theDistrict of Columbia. The ques-tionnaire included seven ques-tions for each house-hold: name, sex, age,relationship, Hispanicorigin, race, andwhether the housingunit was owned orrented. In addition tothese seven questions,about 17 percent ofthe households got amuch longer question-naire including ques-tions about ancestry,income, mortgage,and size of the hous-ing unit. Census 2000not only counted thepopulation, but alsosampled the socio-eco-nomic status of thepopulation, providinga tool for government,educators, businessowners, and others to

get a snapshot of the state ofthe nation.

I. Importance of theCensus: What it isused for and why

The U.S. Constitution, Article I,Section 2 mandates that an appor-tionment of representatives amongthe states, for the House ofRepresentatives, be carried outevery 10 years (decennially).Apportionment is the process ofdividing the 435 seats in the U.S.House of Representatives amongthe 50 states. Congress decidesthe method to carry out the appor-tionment and, since 1940, has usedthe method of ‘equal proportions’ inaccordance with Title 2, U.S. Code.

Using equal portions, each state isassigned one congressional seat (asprovided by the Constitution). Theapportionment formula then allo-cates the remaining 385 seats oneat a time among the 50 states untilall 435 seats are assigned.

In addition to apportionment,the decennial census results areused to:

· distribute almost $200 billionannually in federal, state, local,and tribal funds;

· draw state legislative districts;

· evaluate the success of programsor identify populations in need ofservices;

· and many other purposes. TheURL http://www.census.gov/dmd/www/content.htm has acomprehensive review of each ofthe questions and why itis asked.

While the federal government usescensus data for many purposes,businesses, students, and manyothers also use census data.Businesses may use the data todecide where to locate an outlet, orto select products for a specificarea. Students research neighbor-hoods and cities for class projectsand the local parent-teacher organi-zation may use data to track trendsin the local area. Historians,

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Census 2000 Basics

State gaining 2 seats in the HouseState gaining 1 seat in the HouseNo changeState losing 1 seat in the HouseState losing 2 seats in the House

Change from 1990 to 2000

Census Region Boundary

Note: Numbers represent reapportionedtotals of U.S. representatives.

Total U.S. representatives: 435

WESTREGION MIDWEST

REGIONNORTHEAST

REGION

SOUTHREGION

AK1

HI2

WA9

OR5

CA53

NV3

AZ8

ID2

MT1

WY1

UT3 CO

7

NM3

ND1

SD1

NE3

KS4

MN8

IA5

MO9

WI8

IL19

MI15

IN9

OH18

OK5

TX32

AR4

LA7

WV3

VA11

NC13

KY6

TN9

MS4

AL7

FL 25

GA13

SC6

DE 1

MD 8

ME2

NHNH2

NH2NY

29

PA19

MA 10

RI 2

CT 5

NJ 13

VT1

Figure 1.Apportionment of the U.S. House of Representatives for the 108th Congress(For information on confidentiality protection, nonsampling error, and definitions, see www.census.gov/prod/cen2000/doc/pl94-171.pdf)

writers, and other researchers usecensus data to get a flavor of whatthe country looked like at a particu-lar point in time.

II. Census 2000Activities

Taking the decennial census is a bigproject. For Census 2000, manypeople were hired to assist incounting the population; temporaryemployment peaked at about475,000 one week. In preparationfor this effort, the U.S. CensusBureau developed operational plansthat were evaluated by using theresults of test censuses to find outhow response would be affected.

A. Questionnaire

Deciding which subjects to includein Census 2000 was an interactiveprocess involving the CensusBureau, the Office of Managementand Budget, and the U.S. Congress.To balance concerns about theintrusiveness of the decennial cen-sus and the government’s need fordata, only those subjects havingspecific federal justification fortheir inclusion were on the Census2000 questionnaire.

For Census 2000, as in several pre-vious censuses, two forms wereused—a short form and a longform. The short form was sent toevery household, and the longform, containing the seven 100 per-cent questions plus the samplequestions, was sent to only a limit-ed number of households.

Generally, about one in every sixhouses nationwide received thelong form. The rate varied fromone in two households in somesmaller areas, to one in eighthouseholds for more densely popu-lated areas.

Changes to the Questionnaire.One new subject was added to theCensus 2000 questionnaire: grand-parents as caregivers. This addi-tional question complied with legis-lation passed by the 104thCongress requiring that the decen-nial census obtain information

about grandparents who have pri-mary responsibility for care ofgrandchildren (Title 13, U.S. Code,Chapter 5, Section 141). Severalquestions from the 1990 Census,including information about chil-dren ever born, source of water,sewage disposal, and condominiumstatus, were dropped for Census2000.

One important change for Census2000 was the question on disabili-ty. In 1990, the question was“Does this person have a physical,mental or other health conditionwhich has lasted for more than 6months and that limits the amount

of work this person can do at a jobor prevents this person from work-ing at a job.” In 2000, the questionwas revised to inquire about blind-ness, deafness, and the ability toperform physical and mental tasks.Also in 1990, the questions on dis-ability were asked for those 15years and older; while in 2000, thedata were collected for persons 5years and over.

Additionally, there was a revision tothe question on race. Respondentswere given the option of selectingone or more race categories to indicate their racial identities.

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Figure 2.Census 2000 Content

100-percent characteristics (short form): A limitednumber of questions were asked of every person and hous-ing unit in the United States. Information is available on:

· Name · Hispanic or Latino origin· Household relationship · Race · Sex · Tenure (whether the· Age home is owned or rented)

Sample characteristics (long form): Additional ques-tions were asked of a sample of persons and housing units.Data are provided on:

Population

Social Characteristics

· Marital status· Place of birth, citizenship,

and year of entry· School enrollment and

educational attainment· Ancestry· Residence 5 years ago

(migration)· Language spoken at home

and ability to speak English· Veteran status· Disability· Grandparents as caregivers

Economic Characteristics

· Labor force status· Place of work and journey

to work· Occupation, industry, and

class of worker· Work status in 1999· Income in 1999

Housing

Physical Characteristics

· Units in structure· Year structure built· Number of rooms and

number of bedrooms· Year moved into residence· Plumbing and kitchen

facilities· Telephone service· Vehicles available· Heating fuel· Farm residence

Financial Characteristics

· Value of home or monthlyrent paid

· Utilities, mortgage, taxes,insurance, and fuel costs

The race question included 15 sep-arate response categories and 3areas where respondents couldwrite in a more specific race group.The response categories and write-in answers were combined to cre-ate the five Office of Managementand Budget race categories plus“Some other race.” The Census2000 Brief Overview of Race andHispanic Origin <http://www.cen-sus.gov/prod/2001pubs/c2kbr01-1.pdf> provides an overview ofthese questions and nationalresults. One side effect of thechange in this question is thatthe 2000 data aren’t directly com-parable to the 1990 data on race.

B. Address List Development

To mail out the questionnaires, the Census Bureau had to have anaccurate address list for the coun-try. One of the important initiativesfor Census 2000 was the LocalUpdate of Census Addresses (LUCA)Program <http://www.census.gov/dmd/www/LUCA.htm> made possi-ble by the Census Address ListImprovement Act of 1994 (PublicLaw 103-430). Under LUCA, theCensus Bureau and local govern-mental officials worked together to update mailing and addressinformation.

In addition to LUCA, the CensusBureau worked with the U.S. PostalService (USPS) using a postal checkto validate addresses and to identi-fy and add addresses that weremissing from their database. TheCensus Bureau also used enumera-tors, the Census Bureau staff whogo door-to-door gathering the data,to canvass roads and streets look-ing for living quarters. After blockcanvassing was completed, theinformation was added to theTIGER® database. The CensusBureau also planned for an updatejust prior to Census Day (April 1,2000) of newly constructed unitsand followed up after Census Daywith a check on vacant buildings.As a result, more than 80 percent

of all households had USPS-deliv-ered questionnaires. For ruralareas (e.g., those with a rural routenumber or a post office box), theCensus Bureau had a door-to-doorcanvass to identify each structureand locate it on census maps.

C. Promotion

Census 2000 was the first decenni-al census to use a paid advertisingcampaign. The campaign featuredprint and broadcast media, as wellas outdoor advertising to encour-age positive informative coveragethat emphasized the importance ofresponding to the census.

The core message of the campaignwas "This is your future. Don'tleave it blank." Five advertisingagencies were used - one to createthe core message, and the others totailor the message to specific audi-ences. The Census Bureau used anintegrated plan to generate publici-ty and to encourage everyone torespond to the census. The CensusBureau established partnershipswith many diverse groups and alllevels of government both to publi-cize the census and to encourageparticipation. Numerous promo-tions and special events were heldacross the country.

D. Mailing

An advance letter was sent out toalert the public to the importanceof Census 2000. It stated that indi-viduals could request a census

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Figure 3.

Census 2000 Question on Race

questionnaire in Spanish,Vietnamese, Tagalog, Chinese, orKorean. The U.S. Postal Servicedelivered questionnaires betweenMarch 13-15. A follow-up postcardwas sent out Census Day to remindthose who had not yet completedtheir questionnaires to fill them outand thanked those who had alreadydone so. The “Be Counted” pro-gram allowed people who hadn’treceived a questionnaire to pick upa questionnaire in community loca-tions across the country and fill itout. And, enumerators followed upwith the households that did notreturn their questionnaires, makingmultiple contacts (telephone callsand personal visits) to housingunits believed to be occupied.

As a result of the advertising cam-paign and follow-up, the nationalfinal response rate was 67 percent.This exceeded the projectedresponse rate of 61 percent andwas better than the 65 percentresponse rate from the 1990 cen-sus. This was the first time in cen-sus history that the mail responserate increased from the previouscensus.

E. Technology

A major improvement in automa-tion for taking Census 2000 was

a data capture method that took advantage of available hard-ware and software representingadvances in information technologyand systems. Returned question-naires were processed at theCensus Bureau’s National ProcessingCenter located in Jeffersonville,Indiana, and three other centers, tocarry out the following functions:

· A full electronic data capture andprocessing system recorded animage of every questionnaire.

· Questionnaires returned by mailwere sorted automatically toensure timely capture of criticalinformation. This was neededbefore follow-up could occurwith addresses for which noresponse, or an incompleteresponse, was received.

· Optical mark recognition wasused for all check-box dataitems.

· Intelligent character recognition(ICR) was used to capture write-in character-based data items.

· A clerical keying operation cap-tured and resolved difficult ICRcases.

· A quality assurance review wasconducted on data keying andscanning activities.

· Electronic imaging captured thedata, reducing the logistical andstaffing requirements that han-dling large volumes of paperquestionnaires would haverequired.

After the census was taken, theCensus Bureau evaluated the coverage using a coverage meas-urement survey. Each of the pastfew censuses have had debatesabout undercount and whether ornot data should be “adjusted,” and the 2000 Census was noexception. In October 2001, afterthe coverage measurement surveywas evaluated, the decision to usethe unadjusted Census 2000 figures was announced.

Another important technologicaladvance between the 1990 and2000 censuses was the develop-ment and use of the Internet. In1996, the Census Bureau made a

decision to use the Internet to dis-seminate Census 2000 data andpublications. This was followed bythe development and implementa-tion of what is now the AmericanFactfinder (AFF). AFF has data frommultiple sources (e.g. 1990 census,1997 Economic Census) and alsohas thematic and reference maps sothat users can see the area forwhich they want data. See page 8for more information on AFF.

F. Results

After the census was taken, num-bers were reported on a scheduledetermined in part by U.S. law. Theresults of the census are reported:

· To the President. Title 13, U.S.Code requires that the apportion-ment population counts for eachstate be delivered to thePresident within 9 months of thecensus date. Apportionmentcounts are the population countsfor each state, which determinethe number of members eachgets in the U. S. House ofRepresentatives.

On December 28, 2000, theapportionment counts weredelivered to the President. Thesecounts showed that the residentpopulation of the United Stateson April 1, 2000, was281,421,906, an increase of 13.2percent over the 248,709,873persons counted during the 1990Census.

· To the states. According to Title2, U.S. Code, within 15 days ofreceiving the apportionment pop-ulation counts from thePresident, the Clerk of the Housemust inform each state governorof the number of representativesto which each state is entitled.

· In March 2001, the CensusBureau released the first resultsof Census 2000 data, which wereused by the states for redrawingCongressional and StateLegislative Districts.

III. Confidentiality

Census Bureau officials areextremely aware of the importanceof confidentiality in taking the

4

census and in reporting the results.Under Title 13, United States Code,the Census Bureau cannot share theindividual answers it receives withothers, including welfare agencies,the Immigration and NaturalizationService, the Internal RevenueService, courts, or police. The mili-tary personnel who help with thecensus on-base are sworn to pro-tect the confidentiality of youranswers. Anyone who breaks thislaw can receive up to 5 years inprison and $5,000 in fines.

The computer systems and pro-grams used to store and processinformation collected are config-ured to ensure that an individual’sinformation is protected from anyunauthorized access; access to theCensus Bureau’s computer systemsis controlled through secure tech-nology including passwords, fire-walls, encryption, and auditing toprevent unauthorized access.

To protect respondent confidentiali-ty, names and addresses are sepa-rated from the electronic files thatcontain an individual’s answerswhen no longer needed. TheCensus Bureau withholds data ifthey represent a population (withina geographic area) so small that thenumbers might identify someone.

The Census Bureau works hard toensure that confidentiality is notbreached. Edits are performed onall data products to make sure con-fidential information is not releasedfor any individual or household.Confidentiality means that onlysworn employees of the CensusBureau may have access to individ-ual census information for a periodof 72 years, with the exception thatindividuals or their legal represen-tatives can obtain official tran-scripts of information about them-selves from a census for use as evi-dence of age, relationship, citizen-ship, etc.

After 72 years the records arereleased to the public. Copies ofcensus schedules (forms on whichthe enumerators recorded informa-tion) from 1790-1930 are availableon microform for research at theNational Archives and at libraries.The questionnaires used for Census

2000 will be available forresearchers on April 1, 2072.

IV. Geographic Areas

Census geography provides theframework for interpreting, analyz-ing, and understanding censusdata. The Census Bureau classifiesall geographic entities into twobroad categories: legal and admin-istrative entities, and statisticalentities.

Legal/Administrative entitiesgenerally originate from charters,laws, treaties, resolutions, or courtdecisions. They include:

· Congressional District. Oneof the 435 areas from which peo-ple are elected to the U.S. Houseof Representatives.

· County. The primary legal divi-sion of every state except Alaskaand Louisiana. A number of geo-graphic entities are not legallydesignated as a county, but arerecognized by the Census Bureauas equivalent to a county fordata presentation purposes.These include the boroughs, cityand boroughs, municipalities,and census areas in Alaska;parishes in Louisiana; and citiesthat are independent of anycounty in Maryland, Missouri,Nevada, and Virginia. They alsoinclude the municipios in PuertoRico, districts and islands inAmerican Samoa, municipalitiesin the Northern Mariana Islands,and islands in the Virgin Islandsof the United States. Becausethey contain no primary legaldivisions, the Census Bureautreats the District of Columbiaand Guam each as equivalent toa county (as well as equivalent toa state) for data presentationpurposes. In American Samoa, acounty is a minor civil division.

· Incorporated Place (cities,towns, villages, etc.). A type of governmental unit, incorporat-ed under state law as a city,town (except in New England,New York, and Wisconsin), bor-ough (except in Alaska and NewYork), or village, generally to provide a wide array of specific

governmental services for a con-centration of people within legal-ly prescribed boundaries. Newfor Census 2000 are “city andborough” and “municipality,”which serve as both place- andcounty-level entities in Alaska.

· Minor Civil Division (MCD).The primary governmental oradministrative division of a coun-ty or statistically equivalent enti-ty in many states and statisticallyequivalent entities. MCDs areidentified by a variety of terms,

such as township, town (in 8states), or district. The CensusBureau recognizes MCDs in 28states, the District of Columbia,Puerto Rico, and the Island Areas.In 20 states and AmericanSamoa, all or many MCDs areactive general-purpose govern-mental units. Many MCDs are notgeneral-purpose governmentalunits, and therefore do not haveelected officials to carry out legalfunctions; instead, they serve asnonfunctioning administrativeentities.

· State. A primary governmentaldivision of the United States. TheCensus Bureau treats the Districtof Columbia as the equivalent ofa state for data presentation purposes. It also treats a numberof entities that are not legal

5

divisions of the United States(e.g. Island Areas) as the equiva-lent of states for data presenta-tion purposes.

· United States. The 50 statesand the District of Columbia.

· Voting District (VTD). Thegeneric name for a geographicentity - such as an election dis-trict, precinct, or ward - estab-lished by state, local, and tribalgovernments for the purpose ofconducting elections. Somereviewing officials adjusted theboundaries of the voting districts(VTDs) they submitted to con-form to census block boundariesfor data presentation purposes,and therefore a VTD for whichCensus 2000 provides datamight not exactly represent thelegal entity; the Census Bureaurefers to such VTDs as pseudo-voting districts (pseudo-VTDs).Such VTDs, as well as any othersfor which state officials did notspecify a status, are identified bya “P” in the VTD indicator field ofthe Public Law (PL) data file.

Statistical entities usually evolvefrom practice, custom, usage, orneed, and generally the CensusBureau develops criteria and guide-lines for their identification anddelineation. They include:

· Block Group (BG). A statisticalsubdivision of a census tract. ABG consists of all tabulationblocks whose numbers begin

with the same digit in a censustract. BGs generally containbetween 300 and 3,000 people,with an optimum size of 1,500people. The BG is the lowest-level geographic entity for whichthe Census Bureau tabulatessample data from a decennialcensus.

· Census Block. An area bound-ed on all sides by visible and/ornonvisible features shown on amap prepared by the CensusBureau. A block is the smallestgeographic entity for which theCensus Bureau tabulates decenni-al census data. The censusblocks were completely renum-bered for Census 2000 using4- digit numbers.

· Census County Divisions(CCD). A statistical subdivisionof a county, established anddelineated cooperatively by theCensus Bureau and state, local,and tribal officials for data pres-entation purposes. CCDs havebeen established in 21 states.

· Census Designated Place(CDP). A geographic entity thatserves as the statistical counter-part of an incorporated place forthe purpose of presenting censusdata for an area with a concen-tration of population, housing,and commercial structures that isidentifiable by name, but is notwithin an incorporated place.CDPs usually are defined cooper-atively with state, local, and

tribal officials based on CensusBureau guidelines. For Census2000, for the first time, CDPs didnot have to meet minimum pop-ulation threshold to qualify forthe tabulation of census data.Note: A CDP in Puerto Rico iscalled a comunidad or zonaurbana.

· Census Regions andDivisions. The 50 states andthe District of Columbia havebeen grouped into four regions,each containing two or threedivisions.

· Census Tract. A small, relative-ly permanent statistical subdivi-sion of a county or statisticallyequivalent entity, delineated fordata presentation purposes by alocal group of census data usersor the geographic staff of aregional census center in accor-dance with Census Bureau guide-lines. Census tracts generallycontain between 1,000 and8,000 people. Census tractboundaries are delineated withthe intention of being stable overmany decades, so they generallyfollow relatively permanent visi-ble features. However, they mayfollow governmental unit bound-aries and other invisible featuresin some instances; the boundaryof a state or county is always acensus tract boundary. BlockNumbering Areas (BNAs) are nowcalled census tracts.

· Metropolitan Area (MA). Alarge population nucleus, togeth-er with adjacent communitiesthat have a high degree of eco-nomic and social integration withthat nucleus. (Some MAs aredefined around two or morenuclei.) MA is a collective term,established by the federal Officeof Management and Budget in1990, to refer to metropolitanstatistical areas (MSAs), consoli-dated metropolitan statisticalareas (CMSAs), and primary met-ropolitan statistical areas(PMSAs).

Metropolitan Statistical Area(MSA). An MSA is a metropolitanarea (MA) that is not closelyassociated with another MA. AnMSA consists of one or more

6

counties, except in New England,where MSAs are defined in termsof county subdivisions (primarilycities and towns).

Primary Metropolitan StatisticalArea (PMSA). If an area thatqualifies as a metropolitan area(MA) has a population of1,000,000 or more, two or moreprimary metropolitan statisticalareas (PMSAs) may be definedwithin it if they meet officialstandards and local governmentsfavor that designation. WhenPMSAs are established within anMA, that MA is designated a con-solidated metropolitan statisticalarea.

Consolidated MetropolitanStatistical Area (CMSA). An areabecomes a CMSA if it qualifies asa metropolitan area, has a popu-lation of 1,000,000 or more, hascomponent parts that qualify asprimary metropolitan statisticalareas (PMSAs) based on officialstandards, and local govern-ments favor the designation.CMSAs consist of whole countiesexcept in New England, wherethey consist of county subdivi-sions (primarily cities andtowns).

· Public Use Microdata Area(PUMA). A geographic entity forwhich the U.S. Census Bureauprovides specially selectedextracts of raw data from a smallsample of long-form censusrecords that are screened to pro-tect confidentiality of censusrecords. The extract files arereferred to as public use micro-data samples (PUMS). Public usemicrodata areas (PUMAs), whichmust have a minimum censuspopulation of 100,000 and can-not cross a state line, receive a5-percent sample of the long-form records; these records arepresented in state files. ThesePUMAs are aggregated intosuper-PUMAs, which must have aminimum census population of400,000 and receive a 1-percentsample in a national file. PUMAsand super-PUMAs are mutuallyexclusive, that is, they use differ-ent records to create each sam-ple. Data users can use these

files to create their own statisti-cal tabulations and data sum-maries.

· Rural. All territory, population,and housing units located out-side of urbanized areas andurban clusters.

· Urban. All territory, population,and housing units located withinurbanized areas and urban clus-ters.

· Urbanized Area (UA). Denselysettled area that has a censuspopulation of at least 50,000.The geographic core of blockgroups or blocks must have apopulation density of at least1,000 people per square mile,and adjacent block groups andblocks with at least 500 peopleper square mile.

· Urban Cluster (UC). Consistsof a geographic core of blockgroups or blocks must have apopulation density of at least

1,000 people per square mile,and adjacent block groups andblocks with at least 500 peopleper square mile that togetherencompass a population of atleast 2,500 people, but fewerthan 50,000 people.

· ZIP Code Tabulation Area(ZCTA). A statistical entity devel-oped by the Census Bureau toapproximate the delivery area fora U.S. Postal Service five-digit orthree-digit ZIP Code in the U.S.and Puerto Rico. A ZCTA is anaggregation of census blocksthat have the same predominantZIP Code associated with themailing addresses in the CensusBureau’s Master Address File.Thus, the Postal Service’s deliveryareas have been adjusted toencompass whole census blocksso that the Census Bureau cantabulate census data for theZCTAs. ZCTAs do not include allZIP Codes used for mail delivery.

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Figure 4.

Geographic Hierarchy for the 2000 Decennial Census

There are both legal and statisticalAmerican Indian, Alaska Native,and native Hawaiian entities forwhich the Census Bureau providesdata for Census 2000. The legalentities consist of federally recog-nized American Indian reservationsand off-reservation trust land areas,the tribal subdivisions that candivide these entities, state recog-nized American Indian reservations,Alaska Native RegionalCorporations, and Hawaiian homelands. The statistical entities areAlaska Native village statisticalareas, Oklahoma tribal statisticalareas, tribal designated statisticalareas, and state designatedAmerican Indian statistical areas.Tribal subdivisions can exist withinthe statistical Oklahoma tribal sta-tistical areas.

For more information on theseareas, as well as other censusgeography, see the GeographicChanges for Census 2000 +Glossary <http://www.census.gov/geo/www/tiger/glossary.html>,which provides good backgroundfor Census 2000 users includingchanges from 1990 geography andnew terms. The Geographic AreasReference Manual (1994) <http://www.census.gov/geo/www/garm.html> has excellent backgroundand user aids.

The geographic areas may work ina hierarchical fashion, with smallerareas nested within larger ones(e.g., blocks in block groups, incensus tracts in counties, etc.).Some areas, like ZIP CodeTabulation Areas, are given only assubsets of the nation (see Figure 4).

One easy way to understand therelationships of the geographicareas is to use the AmericanFactFinder (AFF). An addresssearch shows a series “GeographiesContaining” that address. Userscan click on block, block group,census tract, etc., and press the“map it” button to explore the dif-ferent levels of geography.

When you look up the “NationalZoo,” AFF displays the census geog-raphies for that area (see Figure 5).After selecting the tract number

(5.01) and clicking on the “map it”button, the map shown in Figure 6is displayed.

The labels show you the city,county, and state (or in this case,the equivalents), tract numbers,and more.

V. Census 2000 DataReleases

Census 2000 is the first census forwhich the Internet site is the pri-mary means of disseminating thedata. Whatever you’re looking for,you will find it first on the CensusBureau’s Web site. In addition toformatted tables, the CensusBureau Web site has maps and datasets available for downloading (filetransfer protocol (ftp)), printing,viewing, and manipulating.

Web Site and AmericanFactFinder

The Census Bureau Web site pro-vides online access to much of thecensus and many of its data, publi-cations, products, and programs.Using the “Subjects A to Z” is anefficient way to research all kindsof census-related topics.

Census 2000 data users will bevery interested in the AmericanFactFinder (AFF), the CensusBureau’s primary online dataretrieval tool. AFF also includesdata from the 1990 Census, theAmerican Community Survey,Census 2000 SupplementarySurvey, the 1997 Economic Census,and Census 2000. Data arereleased on AFF as soon as they areavailable, usually on a flow basis,state by state within each series.

8

Figure 5.

American FactFinder Geographies Listing

Figure 6.

Map of Census Tract 5.02, Washington, DC

The Census Bureau has created a“Census 2000 Gateway” page topull together background informa-tion, questionnaires, links to thedata sets, PDF files, tutorials, andother user aids.

Data Products

In addition to the large data sets,the Census Bureau also produced aseries of briefs and special reports.These provide background on thetopics, and also explain how thedata was analyzed, and differencesbetween 1990 and 2000 Censusdata. The titles listed below, plusnew Briefs, are listed on the page:<http://www.census.gov/popula-tion/ww/cen2000/briefs.html>.

Census 2000 Special Reports

· Demographic Trends in the 20thCentury

· Emergency and TransitionalShelter Population: 2000

· Mapping Census 2000: TheGeography of U.S. Diversity

· Racial and Ethnic ResidentialSegregation in the United States:1980-2000

Census 2000 Briefs:

· The 65 Years and OverPopulation: 2000

· Age: 2000

· The American Indian and AlaskaNative Population: 2000

· The Asian Population: 2000

· The Black Population: 2000

· Congressional Apportionment

· Gender: 2000

· The Hispanic Population (alsoissued in Spanish)

· Households and Families: 2000

· Housing Characteristics: 2000

· The Native Hawaiian and OtherPacific Islander Population: 2000

· Overview of Race and HispanicOrigin

· Population Change andDistribution: 1990-2000

· The Two or More RacesPopulation: 2000

· The United States in InternationalContext: 2000

· The White Population: 2000

The additional briefs, listed below,will be issued based on sampledata.

· Ancestry: 2000

· Disability Status: 2000

· Educational Attainment: 2000

· English Ability: 2000

· Employment Status: 2000

· The Foreign-Born Population:2000

· Grandparents Living withGrandchildren: 2000

· Home Values: 2000

· Household Income: 2000

· Housing Costs of Homeowners:2000

· Housing Costs of Renters: 2000

· Journey-to-Work: 2000

· Language Use and MaritalStatus: 2000

· Occupations: 2000

· Poverty: 2000

· Residential Mobility: 2000

· School Enrollment: 2000

· Structural and OccupancyCharacteristics: 2000

· Veterans: 2000

The Census Bureau’s Web site alsocontains links to other PHC-T(Census of Population and Housing)tables.

100-Percent Data Products

· Redistricting Data Summary File.Provides population counts forall persons and all person 18years and over. It also has countsof Hispanic/Latino persons byrace (63 categories) and notHispanic/Latino persons by race(63 categories) for both the totalpopulation and the population 18years and over.

Released on: Internet,CD-ROM/DVD;

Lowest level geography: Blocks

· Demographic Profile. Selectedpopulation and housing charac-teristics.

Released on: Internet, CD-ROM/DVD (w/Summary File 1),paper

Lowest level geography: Census Tracts

· Congressional DistrictDemographic Profile. Same asprofile described above, but forCongressional Districts.

Released on: Internet,CD-ROM/DVD (availablew/Summary File 1), paper

Lowest level geography:Congressional Districts of the106th Congress

· Race and Hispanic or LatinoSummary File. This file provides the same data as theRedistricting Data Summary File, but for a higher level ofgeography.

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Figure 7.

Important Web Pagesfor Census 2000

Census Bureau Home pagewww.census.gov

American FactFinder factfinder.census.gov

Census 2000 Gatewaywww.census.gov/main/www/cen2000.html

Released on: Internet (FTP only),CD-ROM

Lowest level geography: Places

· Summary File 1 (SF 1). Presentscounts and basic cross-tabula-tions of information collectedfrom all people and housingunits. SF 1 provides populationcounts for 63 race categories andHispanic or Latino, and popula-tion counts for many detailedrace and Hispanic or Latino cate-gories, and American Indian andAlaska Native tribes [Urban/ruraldata are on the final nationalfile].

Released on: Internet,CD-ROM/DVD,

Lowest level geography: Blocks

· Summary File 2 (SF 2).Similar to SF 1, this file contains100-percent population andhousing characteristics, buttables in this file are given forthe United States, and a selectedlist of detailed race and Hispanic-or Latino-origin groups, as wellas American Indian and AlaskaNative tribes. Each of the 250population groups is subject to apopulation threshold.[Urban/rural data are on the finalnational file]

Released on: Internet,CD-ROM/DVD

Lowest level geography:Census Tracts

· Advanced Query Function (100-percent data). Allows user specified tabulations from fullmicrodata file; Includes safe-guards against disclosure ofidentifying information aboutindividuals and housing units.

Released on: Internet

Lowest level geography: Block Groups

· Summary Population andHousing Characteristics (PHC-1).This report contains informationcollected from all people andhousing units. This report willbe issued for each state, theDistrict of Columbia, Puerto Rico,and a national summary volume.

Released on: Internet, paper


· Population and Housing UnitCounts (PHC-3). This report con-tains population and housingunit totals for Census 2000, aswell as the 1990 and 1980 cen-suses. Information on areameasurements, population densi-ty, and apportionment countswill be included. This report willbe issued for each state, theDistrict of Columbia, Puerto Rico,and a national summary volume.



Sample Data Products:

· Demographic Profile. Demo-graphic, social, economic, andhousing characteristics presentedin three separate tables.


Lowest level geography: Census Tracts

· Congressional District Demo-graphic Profile. Demographic,social, economic, and housingcharacteristics presented in threeseparate tables.


Lowest level geography:Congressional Districts of the106th Congress

· Summary File 3 (SF 3). SF 3 contains tables with social, economic and housing character-istics compiled from a sample of approximately 19 millionhousing units (about 1-in-6households) that receivedthe Census 2000 long-form

questionnaire. Many tables aregiven for nine major race andHispanic or Latino groups.Ancestry group populationcounts are included.


Lowest level geography: Block Groups/Census Tracts

· Summary File 4 (SF 4). Similar toSF 3, this file contains tabula-tions of population and housingdata from sample questions.Tables in this file will be givenfor the United States, and aselected list of detailed race andHispanic- or Latino-origin groups,American Indian and AlaskaNative tribes and various ances-try groups. Each of the 336 pop-ulation groups is subject to apopulation threshold.



· Public Use Microdata Samples(PUMS). Extracts of raw datafrom a small (1-percent or 5-per-cent) sample of long-form censusrecords. Records are screened toprotect confidentiality.

One-percent files include data for the nation and states, as well as substate areas whereappropriate. Five-percent samplehave data for state and sub-state areas.

Released on: CD-ROM/DVD

Lowest level geography: SuperPublic Use Microdata Areas(Super-PUMAs) of 400,000+ for 1-percent file; PUMAs of100,000+ for 5-percent file.

· Advanced Query Function(Sample Data). Allows user spec-ified tabulations from full micro-data file. Includes safeguardsagainst disclosure of identifyinginformation about individualsand housing units.

Released on: Internet


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· Summary Social, Economic, andHousing Characteristics (PHC-2).Reports for each state includeinformation from the samplepopulation and housing subjects.



· Congressional District DataSummary File. 100-percent andsample data for CongressionalDistricts of the 108th Congress


Lowest level geography: CensusTracts within CongressionalDistricts

Both SF 2 and SF 4 contain data forrace, Hispanic- or Latino-origingroups, American Indian and AlaskaNative tribes. SF 4 also containsdata for various ancestry groups. Ifthe population for the group doesnot meet a threshold, or minimumnumber of people, within a geo-graphic area, the data are sup-pressed and not shown. If you arelooking at several areas on AFF, andthe threshold is not met, a note isdisplayed. If you are using the CD-ROMs or DVD-ROMs, the area (e.g.a tract number or county name)does not appear.

Where are the Data?

You can access information aboutthe products by viewing the exten-sive documentation on the Internet,the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, and inprinted publications. Each containsa copy of the questionnaire, geo-graphic terms and concepts, defini-tions of subject characteristics,data collection and processing pro-cedures, as well as product-specificinformation.

The data are available in multipleformats and on several platforms.

Internet. Internet access to thedata is through AmericanFactFinder and the Census 2000Gateway. There are several, easy-to-use, options.

· Quick Tables give you a set ofkey variables for areas down tothe census tract.

· Geographic Comparison Tableslet you see how your state, city,county, or metropolitan areastacks up in comparison to oth-ers using key variables.

· Thematic Maps illustrates thedata in a map format.

· Detailed Tables give you accessto all the tables released in eachdataset.

Downloading the Data. EveryAmerican FactFinder data page hasa download tab on one of the menubars at the top of the screen so youcan download comma or tab delim-ited files into spreadsheet or database software. In addition, ASCIIfiles for each state are available onthe Internet via File TransferProtocol (FTP)<http://ftp2.census.gov/>. Thesefiles are available in ASCII (comma-delimited) format, and do not comewith viewing software.

CD-ROM or DVD. In addition tothe FTP site and AmericanFactFinder, the Summary Files areavailable on CD-ROM (state bystate) or on one DVD (all 50 states).Data are generally available in ASCIIformat without accompanying soft-ware, and there is also a release ofthe data with software that facili-tates retrieval and manipulation ofthe data. Whether downloadinginformation for a single area like acensus tract, or a city, or for agroup of geographic areas (e.g., allcounties, places, or ZIP Code tabulation areas in the country), thesoftware simplifies the process andleads you through the steps.These files are available for pur-chase or through State DataCenters, Federal DepositoryLibraries, and other data providers(see “Census 2000 Products andAssistance” below).

Geographic Products

The Census Bureau has a number ofproducts available to assist users inidentifying and mapping the censusgeographic entities. Most of thesemap products are available forviewing or FTP on the Web site.Paper copies of the Census 2000maps are available for sale through

the Census Bureau’s CustomerServices Center at 301-763-INFO(4636).

All geographic products are derivedfrom the TIGER database. TIGER isan acronym for the TopologicallyIntegrated Geographic Encodingand Referencing System. It is a geo-graphic database that automatesthe mapping and related geograph-ic activities required to support theU.S. Census Bureau's census andsurvey programs.

TIGER/Line®

http://www.census.gov/geo/www/tiger/

UA Census 2000 TIGER/Line® Files

Census 2000 TIGER/Line® Files

RedistrictingCensus 2000TIGER/Line®Files

108th CDCensus 2000TIGER/Line®Files

Post 2000 TIGER/Line®

2002 TIGER/Line® Files

Census 2000 GeographicData Files

http://www.census.gov/geo/www/census2k.html

Census Block Relationship Files

Census Tract Relationship Files

Cartographic Boundary Files

http://www.census.gov/geo/www/cob/

Census 2000 Maps

http://www.census.gov/geo/www/maps/

· American Indian Tribal CensusTract Outline maps

· Census Tract Outline Maps

· Census Block Maps for Places

· Census Block Maps for Counties

· P.L. 94-171 County Block Maps

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· P.L. 94-171 Voting District/StateLegislative District Outline Maps

· Public Use Microdata AreaOutline maps

· State/County Outline maps

· State/County Subdivision maps

· Urbanized Area Outline maps

· Urban Cluster Outline maps

· ZIP Code Tabulation Area (ZCTA)Outline maps

· 108th Congressional DistrictAtlas

· 108th Congressional District indi-vidual state-based maps

VI. Census 2000Products andAssistance

The Census Catalog and the CensusProduct Update provide informationon how to order Census Bureauproducts.

You can access the Census Catalog,from the Census Bureau’s homepage or at <https://catalog.mso.census. gov/>. The Catalog has a“Census 2000” category that pullstogether all available titles andgives short descriptions of theCensus 2000 products that are forsale. You also may order productsthrough the Customer ServicesCenter at 301-763-INFO (4636).

The Census Product Update is abiweekly newsletter with informa-tion on recently released and keyupcoming Census Bureau dataproducts. In addition, it often hasuser hints and updates for onlineproducts. Subscribe to the e-mailUpdate or view it online at:

<http://www.census.gov/mp/www/cpu.html>.

Where To Go For Assistance

The Census Bureau has a nation-wide network to help users in getting census information. The

Web page <http://www.census.gov/dmd/www/groupcnr.html> links tothe descriptions for and locationsof program participants where users can receive in-depth

assistance in using Census 2000products and data.

Resources for census informationinclude:

· Census Bureau’s 12 RegionalOffices with Partnership and DataServices staff who conduct dataworkshops, seminars and train-ing sessions on a variety of cen-sus topics. They respond toinquiries via telephone, e-mail,etc. The Web page <http://www.census.gov/field/www/> listslocal information and servicesthat each of the offices provides.There is also a map showing theregion covered by each of theoffices. Contact information forthe Regional Offices is as fol-lows:

Atlanta 404-730-3833

Boston 617-424-0510

Charlotte 704-344-6144

Chicago 708-562-1740

Dallas 214-253-4481

Denver 303-969-7750

Detroit 313-259-1875

Kansas City 913-551-6711

Los Angeles 818-904-6339

New York 212-264-4730

Philadelphia 215-656-7578

Seattle 206-553-5835

● State Data Centers located instate agencies, universities,libraries, and regional and localgovernments. The State DataCenters also provide training andtechnical assistance, amongother services;

● Census Information Centers,located at 57 national, regional, and local nonprofit organiza-

tions, which represent and servethe interests of underservedcommunities;

● Federal Depository LibraryProgram (FDLP) disseminatesinformation products from allthree branches of the govern-ment to more than 1,300libraries nationwide. Librariesidentified as Regional DepositoryLibraries usually have extensivecollections of Census Bureaupublications and electronic prod-ucts. Other depository librariesoften have a more limited selec-tion of census products, but eachshould have publications fortheir own state. All librarydepository publications are avail-able to the public.

Census 2000 contacts

For questions that require anexpert, (e.g. language spoken athome, disability, commuting, resi-dence rules), there is a list of con-tacts at http://www.census.gov/contacts/www/c-census2000.html.

VII. Other CensusServices

The decennial census is wellknown because it is a nationalevent involving every resident ofthe United States. The CensusBureau also conducts numerousother censuses and surveys includ-ing the American Housing Survey,the Consumer Expenditure Survey;the Current Population Survey;the Census of Governments; theEconomic Census, taken every5 years; and the Survey of Incomeand Program Participation;among others.

For information about the othercensuses and surveys, contact thepartners listed above, look at theCensus Bureau's Web site, call theCustomer Service Center (301) 763-INFO (4636),or send e-mail to<[email protected]>.

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Documents

C2KBASIC.QXD (Page 1) - Census.gov Bureau and local govern-mental officials worked together to update mailing and address information. In addition to LUCA, the Census Bureau worked