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Census 2000 Basics Issued September 2002
MSO/02-C2KB
U.S. Department of Commerce
USCENSUSBUREAU Economics and Statistics Administration
U.S. CENSUS BUREAU
Helping You Make Informed Decisions 1902-2002
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This report was prepared by Andrea
Sevetson under the general direction of
John Kavaliunas, Chief, Marketing
Services Office and Joanne Dickinson,
Chief, Marketing Branch.
Kim D. Ottenstein, Bernadette J.
Gayle, and Laurene V. Qualls of the
Administrative and Customer Services
Division, Walter C. Odom, Chief, pro-
vided publications and printing manage-
ment, graphics design and composition,
and editorial review for print and elec-
tronic media. General direction and
production management were provided
by Gary J. Lauffer, Chief, Publications
Services Branch.
Census 2000 Basics Issued September 2002
MSO/02-C2KB
U.S. Department of Commerce
Donald L. Evans,
Secretary
Samuel W. Bodman,
Deputy Secretary
Economics and Statistics Administration
Kathleen B. Cooper,
Under Secretary
for Economic Affairs
U.S. CENSUS BUREAU
Charles Louis Kincannon,
Director
SUGGESTED CITATION
U.S. CENSUS BUREAU
Census 2000 Basics
U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington DC, 2002
ECONOMICS
AND STATISTICS
ADMINISTRATION
Economics
and Statistics
Administration
Kathleen B. Cooper,
Under Secretary
for Economic Affairs
U.S. CENSUS BUREAU
Charles Louis Kincannon,
Director
William G. Barron, Jr.,
Deputy Director and
Chief Operating Officer
Cynthia Z.F. Clark,
Acting Principal Associate
Director for Programs
Preston Jay Waite,
Associate Director for
Decennial Census
Gloria Gutierrez,
Assistant Director for Marketing
and Customer Liaison
CONTENTS
I. Importance of the Census: What it is used for and why .......................... 1
II. Census 2000 Activities............................................................................ 2
III. Confidentiality ........................................................................................ 5
IV. Geographic Areas.................................................................................... 5
V. Census 2000 Data Releases .................................................................... 8
VI. Census 2000 Products and Assistance .................................................. 12
VII. Other Census Services .......................................................................... 12
Census 2000 Basics
We’ve come a long way since get a snapshot of the state of In addition to apportionment,
the first census in 1790 that the nation. the decennial census results are
counted 3.9 million people. used to:
Then the census was taken in I. Importance of the
· distribute almost $200 billion
the 13 original states, plus the Census: What it is annually in federal, state, local,
districts of Kentucky, Maine, used for and why and tribal funds;
Vermont, and the Southwest
Territory (of Tennessee). · draw state legislative districts;
The U.S. Constitution, Article I,
Federal Marshalls asked six Section 2 mandates that an appor- · evaluate the success of programs
questions: name of head of tionment of representatives among or identify populations in need of
family and number of persons the states, for the House of services;
in household and the number Representatives, be carried out
· and many other purposes. The
of persons in each household every 10 years (decennially).
URL http://www.census.gov/
Apportionment is the process of
of the following descriptions: dmd/www/content.htm has a
dividing the 435 seats in the U.S.
Free White males 16 years and comprehensive review of each of
House of Representatives among
upward, free White males the questions and why it
the 50 states. Congress decides
under 16 years, free White is asked.
the method to carry out the appor-
females, all other free persons tionment and, since 1940, has used While the federal government uses
(by sex and color) and slaves. the method of ‘equal proportions’ in census data for many purposes,
accordance with Title 2, U.S. Code. businesses, students, and many
In the 210 years since the others also use census data.
first census, the census has Using equal portions, each state is Businesses may use the data to
grown to a sophisticated tool. assigned one congressional seat (as decide where to locate an outlet, or
Census 2000, taken April 1, provided by the Constitution). The to select products for a specific
2000, counted 281,421,906 apportionment formula then allo- area. Students research neighbor-
cates the remaining 385 seats one hoods and cities for class projects
people in the 50 states and the
at a time among the 50 states until and the local parent-teacher organi-
District of Columbia. The ques-
all 435 seats are assigned. zation may use data to track trends
tionnaire included seven ques- in the local area. Historians,
tions for each house-
hold: name, sex, age,
relationship, Hispanic Figure 1.
origin, race, and Apportionment of the U.S. House of
whether the housing AK Representatives for the 108th Congress
1
(For information on confidentiality protection, nonsampling error, and
unit was owned or definitions, see www.census.gov/prod/cen2000/doc/pl94-171.pdf)
rented. In addition to
these seven questions,
WEST
about 17 percent of REGION MIDWEST
the households got a WA
REGION
NORTHEAST
9
much longer question- MT
ND
ME
2
REGION
1
1
naire including ques- OR
5
MN
8
VT
1 NH
ID NY
tions about ancestry, 2
WY
SD
1
WI
8 MI 29
2 MA 10
RI 2
income, mortgage, 1
IA
15
PA CT 5
NE 5 19
and size of the hous- CA
NV
3 UT
3 IL IN
OH
18
NJ 13
53 19
ing unit. Census 2000 3 CO
7 KS MO
9 WV
3
VA DE 1
KY 11 MD 8
not only counted the 4 9 6
NC
population, but also AZ
8
OK
TN
9
13
NM 5 AR SC Change from 1990 to 2000
sampled the socio-eco- 3 4
AL GA
6
State gaining 2 seats in the House
MS
nomic status of the TX LA
4 7 13 State gaining 1 seat in the House
No change
population, providing 32 7
State losing 1 seat in the House
FL State losing 2 seats in the House
a tool for government, HI 25
Census Region Boundary
2
educators, business SOUTH
Note: Numbers represent reapportioned
REGION
owners, and others to totals of U.S. representatives.
Total U.S. representatives: 435
1
writers, and other researchers use about grandparents who have pri- of work this person can do at a job
census data to get a flavor of what mary responsibility for care of or prevents this person from work-
the country looked like at a particu- grandchildren (Title 13, U.S. Code, ing at a job.” In 2000, the question
lar point in time. Chapter 5, Section 141). Several was revised to inquire about blind-
questions from the 1990 Census, ness, deafness, and the ability to
including information about chil- perform physical and mental tasks.
II. Census 2000 dren ever born, source of water, Also in 1990, the questions on dis-
Activities sewage disposal, and condominium ability were asked for those 15
status, were dropped for Census years and older; while in 2000, the
Taking the decennial census is a big 2000. data were collected for persons 5
project. For Census 2000, many years and over.
people were hired to assist in One important change for Census
counting the population; temporary 2000 was the question on disabili- Additionally, there was a revision to
employment peaked at about ty. In 1990, the question was the question on race. Respondents
475,000 one week. In preparation “Does this person have a physical, were given the option of selecting
for this effort, the U.S. Census mental or other health condition one or more race categories to
Bureau developed operational plans which has lasted for more than 6 indicate their racial identities.
that were evaluated by using the months and that limits the amount
results of test censuses to find out
how response would be affected.
Figure 2.
A. Questionnaire Census 2000 Content
Deciding which subjects to include 100-percent characteristics (short form): A limited
in Census 2000 was an interactive number of questions were asked of every person and hous-
process involving the Census ing unit in the United States. Information is available on:
Bureau, the Office of Management
and Budget, and the U.S. Congress. · Name · Hispanic or Latino origin
To balance concerns about the · Household relationship · Race
intrusiveness of the decennial cen- · Sex · Tenure (whether the
sus and the government’s need for · Age home is owned or rented)
data, only those subjects having
specific federal justification for Sample characteristics (long form): Additional ques-
their inclusion were on the Census tions were asked of a sample of persons and housing units.
2000 questionnaire. Data are provided on:
For Census 2000, as in several pre- Population Housing
vious censuses, two forms were
Social Characteristics Physical Characteristics
used—a short form and a long
form. The short form was sent to · Marital status · Units in structure
every household, and the long · Place of birth, citizenship, · Year structure built
form, containing the seven 100 per- and year of entry · Number of rooms and
cent questions plus the sample · School enrollment and number of bedrooms
questions, was sent to only a limit- educational attainment · Year moved into residence
ed number of households. · Ancestry · Plumbing and kitchen
· Residence 5 years ago facilities
Generally, about one in every six (migration) · Telephone service
houses nationwide received the · Language spoken at home · Vehicles available
long form. The rate varied from and ability to speak English · Heating fuel
one in two households in some · Veteran status · Farm residence
smaller areas, to one in eight · Disability
households for more densely popu- · Grandparents as caregivers
Financial Characteristics
lated areas.
· Value of home or monthly
Economic Characteristics
rent paid
Changes to the Questionnaire. · Labor force status · Utilities, mortgage, taxes,
One new subject was added to the · Place of work and journey insurance, and fuel costs
Census 2000 questionnaire: grand- to work
parents as caregivers. This addi- · Occupation, industry, and
tional question complied with legis- class of worker
lation passed by the 104th · Work status in 1999
Congress requiring that the decen- · Income in 1999
nial census obtain information
2
of all households had USPS-deliv-
Figure 3. ered questionnaires. For rural
Census 2000 Question on Race areas (e.g., those with a rural route
number or a post office box), the
Census Bureau had a door-to-door
canvass to identify each structure
and locate it on census maps.
C. Promotion
Census 2000 was the first decenni-
al census to use a paid advertising
campaign. The campaign featured
print and broadcast media, as well
as outdoor advertising to encour-
age positive informative coverage
that emphasized the importance of
responding to the census.
The core message of the campaign
was "This is your future. Don't
leave it blank." Five advertising
agencies were used - one to create
The race question included 15 sep- In addition to LUCA, the Census the core message, and the others to
arate response categories and 3 Bureau worked with the U.S. Postal tailor the message to specific audi-
areas where respondents could Service (USPS) using a postal check ences. The Census Bureau used an
write in a more specific race group. to validate addresses and to identi- integrated plan to generate publici-
The response categories and write- fy and add addresses that were ty and to encourage everyone to
in answers were combined to cre- missing from their database. The respond to the census. The Census
ate the five Office of Management Census Bureau also used enumera- Bureau established partnerships
and Budget race categories plus tors, the Census Bureau staff who with many diverse groups and all
“Some other race.” The Census go door-to-door gathering the data, levels of government both to publi-
2000 Brief Overview of Race and to canvass roads and streets look- cize the census and to encourage
Hispanic Origin <http://www.cen- ing for living quarters. After block participation. Numerous promo-
sus.gov/prod/2001pubs/c2kbr01- canvassing was completed, the tions and special events were held
1.pdf> provides an overview of information was added to the across the country.
these questions and national TIGER® database. The Census
results. One side effect of the Bureau also planned for an update D. Mailing
change in this question is that just prior to Census Day (April 1, An advance letter was sent out to
the 2000 data aren’t directly com- 2000) of newly constructed units alert the public to the importance
parable to the 1990 data on race. and followed up after Census Day of Census 2000. It stated that indi-
with a check on vacant buildings. viduals could request a census
As a result, more than 80 percent
B. Address List
Development
To mail out the questionnaires,
the Census Bureau had to have an
accurate address list for the coun-
try. One of the important initiatives
for Census 2000 was the Local
Update of Census Addresses (LUCA)
Program <http://www.census.gov/
dmd/www/LUCA.htm> made possi-
ble by the Census Address List
Improvement Act of 1994 (Public
Law 103-430). Under LUCA, the
Census Bureau and local govern-
mental officials worked together
to update mailing and address
information.
3
questionnaire in Spanish, a data capture method that decision to use the Internet to dis-
Vietnamese, Tagalog, Chinese, or took advantage of available hard- seminate Census 2000 data and
Korean. The U.S. Postal Service ware and software representing publications. This was followed by
delivered questionnaires between advances in information technology the development and implementa-
March 13-15. A follow-up postcard and systems. Returned question- tion of what is now the American
was sent out Census Day to remind naires were processed at the Factfinder (AFF). AFF has data from
those who had not yet completed Census Bureau’s National Processing multiple sources (e.g. 1990 census,
their questionnaires to fill them out Center located in Jeffersonville, 1997 Economic Census) and also
and thanked those who had already Indiana, and three other centers, to has thematic and reference maps so
done so. The “Be Counted” pro- carry out the following functions: that users can see the area for
gram allowed people who hadn’t which they want data. See page 8
received a questionnaire to pick up · A full electronic data capture and for more information on AFF.
a questionnaire in community loca- processing system recorded an
tions across the country and fill it image of every questionnaire. F. Results
out. And, enumerators followed up · Questionnaires returned by mail After the census was taken, num-
with the households that did not were sorted automatically to bers were reported on a schedule
return their questionnaires, making ensure timely capture of critical determined in part by U.S. law. The
multiple contacts (telephone calls information. This was needed results of the census are reported:
and personal visits) to housing before follow-up could occur
units believed to be occupied. with addresses for which no · To the President. Title 13, U.S.
response, or an incomplete Code requires that the apportion-
As a result of the advertising cam- response, was received. ment population counts for each
paign and follow-up, the national
final response rate was 67 percent. · Optical mark recognition was state be delivered to the
used for all check-box data President within 9 months of the
This exceeded the projected
items. census date. Apportionment
response rate of 61 percent and
counts are the population counts
was better than the 65 percent · Intelligent character recognition for each state, which determine
response rate from the 1990 cen- (ICR) was used to capture write- the number of members each
sus. This was the first time in cen- in character-based data items. gets in the U. S. House of
sus history that the mail response
· A clerical keying operation cap- Representatives.
rate increased from the previous
tured and resolved difficult ICR On December 28, 2000, the
census.
cases. apportionment counts were
· A quality assurance review was delivered to the President. These
E. Technology
conducted on data keying and counts showed that the resident
A major improvement in automa- scanning activities. population of the United States
tion for taking Census 2000 was on April 1, 2000, was
· Electronic imaging captured the
281,421,906, an increase of 13.2
data, reducing the logistical and
percent over the 248,709,873
staffing requirements that han-
persons counted during the 1990
dling large volumes of paper
Census.
questionnaires would have
required. · To the states. According to Title
2, U.S. Code, within 15 days of
After the census was taken, the
receiving the apportionment pop-
Census Bureau evaluated the
ulation counts from the
coverage using a coverage meas-
President, the Clerk of the House
urement survey. Each of the past
must inform each state governor
few censuses have had debates
of the number of representatives
about undercount and whether or
to which each state is entitled.
not data should be “adjusted,”
and the 2000 Census was no · In March 2001, the Census
exception. In October 2001, after Bureau released the first results
the coverage measurement survey of Census 2000 data, which were
was evaluated, the decision to use used by the states for redrawing
the unadjusted Census 2000 Congressional and State
figures was announced. Legislative Districts.
Another important technological
advance between the 1990 and III. Confidentiality
2000 censuses was the develop-
Census Bureau officials are
ment and use of the Internet. In
extremely aware of the importance
1996, the Census Bureau made a
of confidentiality in taking the
4
census and in reporting the results. 2000 will be available for governmental services for a con-
Under Title 13, United States Code, researchers on April 1, 2072. centration of people within legal-
the Census Bureau cannot share the ly prescribed boundaries. New
individual answers it receives with IV. Geographic Areas for Census 2000 are “city and
others, including welfare agencies, borough” and “municipality,”
the Immigration and Naturalization Census geography provides the which serve as both place- and
Service, the Internal Revenue framework for interpreting, analyz- county-level entities in Alaska.
Service, courts, or police. The mili- ing, and understanding census · Minor Civil Division (MCD).
tary personnel who help with the data. The Census Bureau classifies The primary governmental or
census on-base are sworn to pro- all geographic entities into two administrative division of a coun-
tect the confidentiality of your broad categories: legal and admin- ty or statistically equivalent enti-
answers. Anyone who breaks this istrative entities, and statistical ty in many states and statistically
law can receive up to 5 years in entities. equivalent entities. MCDs are
prison and $5,000 in fines.
identified by a variety of terms,
Legal/Administrative entities
The computer systems and pro- generally originate from charters,
grams used to store and process laws, treaties, resolutions, or court
information collected are config- decisions. They include:
ured to ensure that an individual’s
information is protected from any · Congressional District. One
unauthorized access; access to the of the 435 areas from which peo-
Census Bureau’s computer systems ple are elected to the U.S. House
is controlled through secure tech- of Representatives.
nology including passwords, fire-
walls, encryption, and auditing to · County. The primary legal divi-
prevent unauthorized access. sion of every state except Alaska
and Louisiana. A number of geo-
To protect respondent confidentiali- graphic entities are not legally
ty, names and addresses are sepa- designated as a county, but are
rated from the electronic files that recognized by the Census Bureau
contain an individual’s answers as equivalent to a county for
when no longer needed. The data presentation purposes.
Census Bureau withholds data if These include the boroughs, city
they represent a population (within and boroughs, municipalities,
a geographic area) so small that the and census areas in Alaska;
numbers might identify someone. parishes in Louisiana; and cities
that are independent of any
The Census Bureau works hard to county in Maryland, Missouri,
ensure that confidentiality is not Nevada, and Virginia. They also
breached. Edits are performed on include the municipios in Puerto
all data products to make sure con- Rico, districts and islands in such as township, town (in 8
fidential information is not released American Samoa, municipalities states), or district. The Census
for any individual or household. in the Northern Mariana Islands, Bureau recognizes MCDs in 28
Confidentiality means that only and islands in the Virgin Islands states, the District of Columbia,
sworn employees of the Census of the United States. Because Puerto Rico, and the Island Areas.
Bureau may have access to individ- they contain no primary legal In 20 states and American
ual census information for a period divisions, the Census Bureau Samoa, all or many MCDs are
of 72 years, with the exception that treats the District of Columbia active general-purpose govern-
individuals or their legal represen- and Guam each as equivalent to mental units. Many MCDs are not
tatives can obtain official tran- a county (as well as equivalent to general-purpose governmental
scripts of information about them- a state) for data presentation units, and therefore do not have
selves from a census for use as evi- purposes. In American Samoa, a elected officials to carry out legal
dence of age, relationship, citizen- county is a minor civil division. functions; instead, they serve as
ship, etc. nonfunctioning administrative
· Incorporated Place (cities,
towns, villages, etc.). A type entities.
After 72 years the records are
released to the public. Copies of of governmental unit, incorporat- · State. A primary governmental
census schedules (forms on which ed under state law as a city, division of the United States. The
the enumerators recorded informa- town (except in New England, Census Bureau treats the District
tion) from 1790-1930 are available New York, and Wisconsin), bor- of Columbia as the equivalent of
on microform for research at the ough (except in Alaska and New a state for data presentation
National Archives and at libraries. York), or village, generally to purposes. It also treats a number
The questionnaires used for Census provide a wide array of specific of entities that are not legal
5
tribal officials based on Census
Bureau guidelines. For Census
2000, for the first time, CDPs did
not have to meet minimum pop-
ulation threshold to qualify for
the tabulation of census data.
Note: A CDP in Puerto Rico is
called a comunidad or zona
urbana.
· Census Regions and
Divisions. The 50 states and
the District of Columbia have
been grouped into four regions,
each containing two or three
divisions.
· Census Tract. A small, relative-
ly permanent statistical subdivi-
sion of a county or statistically
equivalent entity, delineated for
data presentation purposes by a
divisions of the United States with the same digit in a census local group of census data users
(e.g. Island Areas) as the equiva- tract. BGs generally contain or the geographic staff of a
lent of states for data presenta- between 300 and 3,000 people, regional census center in accor-
tion purposes. with an optimum size of 1,500 dance with Census Bureau guide-
people. The BG is the lowest-
· United States. The 50 states lines. Census tracts generally
level geographic entity for which contain between 1,000 and
and the District of Columbia.
the Census Bureau tabulates 8,000 people. Census tract
· Voting District (VTD). The sample data from a decennial boundaries are delineated with
generic name for a geographic census. the intention of being stable over
entity - such as an election dis-
· Census Block. An area bound- many decades, so they generally
trict, precinct, or ward - estab-
ed on all sides by visible and/or follow relatively permanent visi-
lished by state, local, and tribal
nonvisible features shown on a ble features. However, they may
governments for the purpose of
map prepared by the Census follow governmental unit bound-
conducting elections. Some
Bureau. A block is the smallest aries and other invisible features
reviewing officials adjusted the
geographic entity for which the in some instances; the boundary
boundaries of the voting districts
Census Bureau tabulates decenni- of a state or county is always a
(VTDs) they submitted to con-
al census data. The census census tract boundary. Block
form to census block boundaries
blocks were completely renum- Numbering Areas (BNAs) are now
for data presentation purposes,
bered for Census 2000 using called census tracts.
and therefore a VTD for which
4- digit numbers. · Metropolitan Area (MA). A
Census 2000 provides data
might not exactly represent the · Census County Divisions large population nucleus, togeth-
legal entity; the Census Bureau (CCD). A statistical subdivision er with adjacent communities
refers to such VTDs as pseudo- of a county, established and that have a high degree of eco-
voting districts (pseudo-VTDs). delineated cooperatively by the nomic and social integration with
Such VTDs, as well as any others Census Bureau and state, local, that nucleus. (Some MAs are
for which state officials did not and tribal officials for data pres- defined around two or more
specify a status, are identified by entation purposes. CCDs have nuclei.) MA is a collective term,
a “P” in the VTD indicator field of been established in 21 states. established by the federal Office
the Public Law (PL) data file. of Management and Budget in
· Census Designated Place
1990, to refer to metropolitan
(CDP). A geographic entity that
Statistical entities usually evolve statistical areas (MSAs), consoli-
serves as the statistical counter-
from practice, custom, usage, or dated metropolitan statistical
part of an incorporated place for
need, and generally the Census areas (CMSAs), and primary met-
the purpose of presenting census
Bureau develops criteria and guide- ropolitan statistical areas
data for an area with a concen-
lines for their identification and (PMSAs).
tration of population, housing,
delineation. They include:
and commercial structures that is Metropolitan Statistical Area
· Block Group (BG). A statistical identifiable by name, but is not (MSA). An MSA is a metropolitan
subdivision of a census tract. A within an incorporated place. area (MA) that is not closely
BG consists of all tabulation CDPs usually are defined cooper- associated with another MA. An
blocks whose numbers begin atively with state, local, and MSA consists of one or more
6
counties, except in New England, Figure 4.
where MSAs are defined in terms Geographic Hierarchy for the 2000 Decennial Census
of county subdivisions (primarily
cities and towns).
Primary Metropolitan Statistical
Area (PMSA). If an area that
qualifies as a metropolitan area
(MA) has a population of
1,000,000 or more, two or more
primary metropolitan statistical
areas (PMSAs) may be defined
within it if they meet official
standards and local governments
favor that designation. When
PMSAs are established within an
MA, that MA is designated a con-
solidated metropolitan statistical
area.
Consolidated Metropolitan
Statistical Area (CMSA). An area
becomes a CMSA if it qualifies as
a metropolitan area, has a popu-
lation of 1,000,000 or more, has
component parts that qualify as
primary metropolitan statistical
areas (PMSAs) based on official
standards, and local govern-
ments favor the designation.
CMSAs consist of whole counties
except in New England, where
they consist of county subdivi-
sions (primarily cities and
towns).
· Public Use Microdata Area
(PUMA). A geographic entity for files to create their own statisti- 1,000 people per square mile,
which the U.S. Census Bureau cal tabulations and data sum- and adjacent block groups and
provides specially selected maries. blocks with at least 500 people
extracts of raw data from a small per square mile that together
· Rural. All territory, population,
sample of long-form census encompass a population of at
and housing units located out-
records that are screened to pro- least 2,500 people, but fewer
side of urbanized areas and
tect confidentiality of census than 50,000 people.
urban clusters.
records. The extract files are · ZIP Code Tabulation Area
referred to as public use micro- · Urban. All territory, population,
(ZCTA). A statistical entity devel-
data samples (PUMS). Public use and housing units located within
oped by the Census Bureau to
microdata areas (PUMAs), which urbanized areas and urban clus-
approximate the delivery area for
must have a minimum census ters.
a U.S. Postal Service five-digit or
population of 100,000 and can- · Urbanized Area (UA). Densely three-digit ZIP Code in the U.S.
not cross a state line, receive a settled area that has a census and Puerto Rico. A ZCTA is an
5-percent sample of the long- population of at least 50,000. aggregation of census blocks
form records; these records are The geographic core of block that have the same predominant
presented in state files. These groups or blocks must have a ZIP Code associated with the
PUMAs are aggregated into population density of at least mailing addresses in the Census
super-PUMAs, which must have a 1,000 people per square mile, Bureau’s Master Address File.
minimum census population of and adjacent block groups and Thus, the Postal Service’s delivery
400,000 and receive a 1-percent blocks with at least 500 people areas have been adjusted to
sample in a national file. PUMAs per square mile. encompass whole census blocks
and super-PUMAs are mutually so that the Census Bureau can
exclusive, that is, they use differ- · Urban Cluster (UC). Consists
of a geographic core of block tabulate census data for the
ent records to create each sam- ZCTAs. ZCTAs do not include all
ple. Data users can use these groups or blocks must have a
population density of at least ZIP Codes used for mail delivery.
7
There are both legal and statistical
American Indian, Alaska Native,
and native Hawaiian entities for Figure 5.
which the Census Bureau provides American FactFinder Geographies Listing
data for Census 2000. The legal
entities consist of federally recog-
nized American Indian reservations
and off-reservation trust land areas,
the tribal subdivisions that can
divide these entities, state recog-
nized American Indian reservations,
Alaska Native Regional
Corporations, and Hawaiian home
lands. The statistical entities are
Alaska Native village statistical Figure 6.
areas, Oklahoma tribal statistical Map of Census Tract 5.02, Washington, DC
areas, tribal designated statistical
areas, and state designated
American Indian statistical areas.
Tribal subdivisions can exist within
the statistical Oklahoma tribal sta-
tistical areas.
For more information on these
areas, as well as other census
geography, see the Geographic
Changes for Census 2000 +
Glossary <http://www.census.gov/
geo/www/tiger/glossary.html>,
which provides good background
for Census 2000 users including
changes from 1990 geography and
new terms. The Geographic Areas
Reference Manual (1994) <http://
www.census.gov/geo/www/garm.h
tml> has excellent background
and user aids.
(5.01) and clicking on the “map it” Web Site and American
The geographic areas may work in button, the map shown in Figure 6 FactFinder
a hierarchical fashion, with smaller is displayed.
areas nested within larger ones The Census Bureau Web site pro-
(e.g., blocks in block groups, in The labels show you the city, vides online access to much of the
census tracts in counties, etc.). county, and state (or in this case, census and many of its data, publi-
Some areas, like ZIP Code the equivalents), tract numbers, cations, products, and programs.
Tabulation Areas, are given only as and more. Using the “Subjects A to Z” is an
subsets of the nation (see Figure 4). efficient way to research all kinds
of census-related topics.
V. Census 2000 Data
One easy way to understand the
relationships of the geographic
Releases Census 2000 data users will be
areas is to use the American very interested in the American
Census 2000 is the first census for FactFinder (AFF), the Census
FactFinder (AFF). An address
which the Internet site is the pri- Bureau’s primary online data
search shows a series “Geographies
mary means of disseminating the retrieval tool. AFF also includes
Containing” that address. Users
data. Whatever you’re looking for, data from the 1990 Census, the
can click on block, block group,
you will find it first on the Census American Community Survey,
census tract, etc., and press the
Bureau’s Web site. In addition to Census 2000 Supplementary
“map it” button to explore the dif-
formatted tables, the Census Survey, the 1997 Economic Census,
ferent levels of geography.
Bureau Web site has maps and data and Census 2000. Data are
sets available for downloading (file released on AFF as soon as they are
When you look up the “National
transfer protocol (ftp)), printing, available, usually on a flow basis,
Zoo,” AFF displays the census geog-
viewing, and manipulating. state by state within each series.
raphies for that area (see Figure 5).
After selecting the tract number
8
The Census Bureau has created a · Congressional Apportionment · Language Use and Marital
“Census 2000 Gateway” page to Status: 2000
· Gender: 2000
pull together background informa-
· Occupations: 2000
tion, questionnaires, links to the · The Hispanic Population (also
data sets, PDF files, tutorials, and issued in Spanish) · Poverty: 2000
other user aids. · Households and Families: 2000 · Residential Mobility: 2000
· Housing Characteristics: 2000 · School Enrollment: 2000
Figure 7. · The Native Hawaiian and Other · Structural and Occupancy
Important Web Pages Pacific Islander Population: 2000 Characteristics: 2000
for Census 2000 · Overview of Race and Hispanic · Veterans: 2000
Origin
The Census Bureau’s Web site also
Census Bureau Home page · Population Change and
contains links to other PHC-T
www.census.gov Distribution: 1990-2000
(Census of Population and Housing)
· The Two or More Races tables.
American FactFinder
Population: 2000
factfinder.census.gov 100-Percent Data Products
· The United States in International
Census 2000 Gateway Context: 2000 · Redistricting Data Summary File.
www.census.gov/main/www/ Provides population counts for
· The White Population: 2000 all persons and all person 18
cen2000.html
years and over. It also has counts
The additional briefs, listed below, of Hispanic/Latino persons by
will be issued based on sample race (63 categories) and not
Data Products data. Hispanic/Latino persons by race
In addition to the large data sets, (63 categories) for both the total
· Ancestry: 2000
the Census Bureau also produced a population and the population 18
series of briefs and special reports. · Disability Status: 2000 years and over.
These provide background on the
· Educational Attainment: 2000 Released on: Internet,
topics, and also explain how the CD-ROM/DVD;
data was analyzed, and differences · English Ability: 2000
Lowest level geography: Blocks
between 1990 and 2000 Census · Employment Status: 2000
data. The titles listed below, plus
· The Foreign-Born Population: · Demographic Profile. Selected
new Briefs, are listed on the page:
2000 population and housing charac-
<http://www.census.gov/popula-
teristics.
tion/ww/cen2000/briefs.html>. · Grandparents Living with
Grandchildren: 2000 Released on: Internet, CD-
Census 2000 Special Reports ROM/DVD (w/Summary File 1),
· Demographic Trends in the 20th paper
Century Lowest level geography:
Census Tracts
· Emergency and Transitional
Shelter Population: 2000
· Congressional District
· Mapping Census 2000: The Demographic Profile. Same as
Geography of U.S. Diversity profile described above, but for
· Racial and Ethnic Residential Congressional Districts.
Segregation in the United States: Released on: Internet,
1980-2000 CD-ROM/DVD (available
w/Summary File 1), paper
Census 2000 Briefs: Lowest level geography:
· The 65 Years and Over Congressional Districts of the
· Home Values: 2000 106th Congress
Population: 2000
· Household Income: 2000
· Age: 2000
· Race and Hispanic or Latino
· Housing Costs of Homeowners:
· The American Indian and Alaska Summary File. This file
2000
Native Population: 2000 provides the same data as the
· Housing Costs of Renters: 2000 Redistricting Data Summary
· The Asian Population: 2000
File, but for a higher level of
· Journey-to-Work: 2000
· The Black Population: 2000 geography.
9
Released on: Internet (FTP only), Released on: Internet, paper questionnaire. Many tables are
CD-ROM Lowest level geography: Places given for nine major race and
Lowest level geography: Places Hispanic or Latino groups.
· Population and Housing Unit Ancestry group population
· Summary File 1 (SF 1). Presents Counts (PHC-3). This report con- counts are included.
counts and basic cross-tabula- tains population and housing Released on: Internet,
tions of information collected unit totals for Census 2000, as CD-ROM/DVD
from all people and housing well as the 1990 and 1980 cen- Lowest level geography:
units. SF 1 provides population suses. Information on area Block Groups/Census Tracts
counts for 63 race categories and measurements, population densi-
Hispanic or Latino, and popula- ty, and apportionment counts · Summary File 4 (SF 4). Similar to
tion counts for many detailed will be included. This report will SF 3, this file contains tabula-
race and Hispanic or Latino cate- be issued for each state, the tions of population and housing
gories, and American Indian and District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, data from sample questions.
Alaska Native tribes [Urban/rural and a national summary volume. Tables in this file will be given
data are on the final national Released on: Internet, paper for the United States, and a
file]. selected list of detailed race and
Lowest level geography: Places
Released on: Internet, Hispanic- or Latino-origin groups,
CD-ROM/DVD, Sample Data Products: American Indian and Alaska
Lowest level geography: Blocks Native tribes and various ances-
· Demographic Profile. Demo- try groups. Each of the 336 pop-
graphic, social, economic, and ulation groups is subject to a
· Summary File 2 (SF 2).
housing characteristics presented population threshold.
Similar to SF 1, this file contains
in three separate tables.
100-percent population and Released on: Internet,
housing characteristics, but Released on: Internet, CD- CD-ROM/DVD
tables in this file are given for ROM/DVD (w/Summary File 3),
Lowest level geography:
the United States, and a selected paper
Census Tracts
list of detailed race and Hispanic- Lowest level geography:
or Latino-origin groups, as well Census Tracts · Public Use Microdata Samples
as American Indian and Alaska (PUMS). Extracts of raw data
Native tribes. Each of the 250 · Congressional District Demo- from a small (1-percent or 5-per-
population groups is subject to a graphic Profile. Demographic, cent) sample of long-form census
population threshold. social, economic, and housing records. Records are screened to
[Urban/rural data are on the final characteristics presented in three protect confidentiality.
national file] separate tables.
One-percent files include data
Released on: Internet, Released on: Internet, CD- for the nation and states, as
CD-ROM/DVD ROM/DVD (w/Summary File 3), well as substate areas where
Lowest level geography: paper appropriate. Five-percent sample
Census Tracts Lowest level geography: have data for state and sub-
Congressional Districts of the state areas.
· Advanced Query Function (100- 106th Congress Released on: CD-ROM/DVD
percent data). Allows user
Lowest level geography: Super
specified tabulations from full · Summary File 3 (SF 3). SF 3 Public Use Microdata Areas
microdata file; Includes safe- contains tables with social, (Super-PUMAs) of 400,000+ for
guards against disclosure of economic and housing character- 1-percent file; PUMAs of
identifying information about istics compiled from a sample 100,000+ for 5-percent file.
individuals and housing units. of approximately 19 million
housing units (about 1-in-6
Released on: Internet · Advanced Query Function
households) that received
Lowest level geography: (Sample Data). Allows user spec-
the Census 2000 long-form
Block Groups ified tabulations from full micro-
data file. Includes safeguards
· Summary Population and against disclosure of identifying
Housing Characteristics (PHC-1). information about individuals
This report contains information and housing units.
collected from all people and Released on: Internet
housing units. This report will
Lowest level geography:
be issued for each state, the
Census Tracts
District of Columbia, Puerto Rico,
and a national summary volume.
10
· Summary Social, Economic, and · Geographic Comparison Tables the Census Bureau’s Customer
Housing Characteristics (PHC-2). let you see how your state, city, Services Center at 301-763-INFO
Reports for each state include county, or metropolitan area (4636).
information from the sample stacks up in comparison to oth-
population and housing subjects. ers using key variables. All geographic products are derived
from the TIGER database. TIGER is
Released on: Internet, paper · Thematic Maps illustrates the
an acronym for the Topologically
Lowest level geography: Places data in a map format.
Integrated Geographic Encoding
· Detailed Tables give you access and Referencing System. It is a geo-
· Congressional District Data to all the tables released in each graphic database that automates
Summary File. 100-percent and dataset. the mapping and related geograph-
sample data for Congressional ic activities required to support the
Districts of the 108th Congress Downloading the Data. Every
U.S. Census Bureau's census and
American FactFinder data page has
Released on: Internet, survey programs.
a download tab on one of the menu
CD-ROM/DVD
bars at the top of the screen so you
Lowest level geography: Census TIGER/Line®
can download comma or tab delim-
Tracts within Congressional ited files into spreadsheet or data http://www.census.gov/geo/
Districts base software. In addition, ASCII www/tiger/
files for each state are available on UA Census 2000 TIGER/Line® Files
Both SF 2 and SF 4 contain data for the Internet via File Transfer
race, Hispanic- or Latino-origin Protocol (FTP) Census 2000 TIGER/Line® Files
groups, American Indian and Alaska <http://ftp2.census.gov/>. These Redistricting
Native tribes. SF 4 also contains files are available in ASCII (comma- Census 2000
data for various ancestry groups. If delimited) format, and do not come TIGER/Line®
the population for the group does with viewing software. Files
not meet a threshold, or minimum
number of people, within a geo- CD-ROM or DVD. In addition to 108th CD
graphic area, the data are sup- the FTP site and American Census 2000
pressed and not shown. If you are FactFinder, the Summary Files are TIGER/Line®
looking at several areas on AFF, and available on CD-ROM (state by Files
the threshold is not met, a note is state) or on one DVD (all 50 states).
displayed. If you are using the CD- Data are generally available in ASCII Post 2000 TIGER/Line®
ROMs or DVD-ROMs, the area (e.g. format without accompanying soft-
a tract number or county name) ware, and there is also a release of 2002 TIGER/Line® Files
does not appear. the data with software that facili-
tates retrieval and manipulation of Census 2000 Geographic
Where are the Data? the data. Whether downloading Data Files
information for a single area like a
You can access information about http://www.census.gov/geo/www/
census tract, or a city, or for a
the products by viewing the exten- census2k.html
group of geographic areas (e.g., all
sive documentation on the Internet,
counties, places, or ZIP Code Census Block Relationship Files
the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, and in
tabulation areas in the country), the Census Tract Relationship Files
printed publications. Each contains
software simplifies the process and
a copy of the questionnaire, geo-
leads you through the steps.
graphic terms and concepts, defini- Cartographic Boundary Files
These files are available for pur-
tions of subject characteristics,
chase or through State Data http://www.census.gov/geo/
data collection and processing pro-
Centers, Federal Depository www/cob/
cedures, as well as product-specific
Libraries, and other data providers
information.
(see “Census 2000 Products and
Assistance” below). Census 2000 Maps
The data are available in multiple
formats and on several platforms. http://www.census.gov/geo/
Geographic Products www/maps/
Internet. Internet access to the
data is through American The Census Bureau has a number of · American Indian Tribal Census
FactFinder and the Census 2000 products available to assist users in Tract Outline maps
identifying and mapping the census
Gateway. There are several, easy- · Census Tract Outline Maps
to-use, options. geographic entities. Most of these
map products are available for · Census Block Maps for Places
· Quick Tables give you a set of viewing or FTP on the Web site.
· Census Block Maps for Counties
key variables for areas down to Paper copies of the Census 2000
the census tract. maps are available for sale through · P 94-171 County Block Maps
.L.
11
· P.L. 94-171 Voting District/State Web page <http://www.census.gov/ tions, which represent and serve
Legislative District Outline Maps dmd/www/groupcnr.html> links to the interests of underserved
the descriptions for and locations communities;
· Public Use Microdata Area
of program participants
Outline maps ● Federal Depository Library
where users can receive in-depth
Program (FDLP) disseminates
· State/County Outline maps
information products from all
· State/County Subdivision maps assistance in using Census 2000
three branches of the govern-
products and data.
· Urbanized Area Outline maps ment to more than 1,300
libraries nationwide. Libraries
· Urban Cluster Outline maps Resources for census information
identified as Regional Depository
include:
· ZIP Code Tabulation Area (ZCTA) Libraries usually have extensive
Outline maps · Census Bureau’s 12 Regional collections of Census Bureau
Offices with Partnership and Data publications and electronic prod-
· 108th Congressional District ucts. Other depository libraries
Atlas Services staff who conduct data
workshops, seminars and train- often have a more limited selec-
· 108th Congressional District indi- ing sessions on a variety of cen- tion of census products, but each
vidual state-based maps sus topics. They respond to should have publications for
inquiries via telephone, e-mail, their own state. All library
VI. Census 2000 etc. The Web page <http://www. depository publications are avail-
census.gov/field/www/> lists able to the public.
Products and
local information and services Census 2000 contacts
Assistance that each of the offices provides.
For questions that require an
There is also a map showing the
The Census Catalog and the Census expert, (e.g. language spoken at
region covered by each of the
Product Update provide information home, disability, commuting, resi-
offices. Contact information for
on how to order Census Bureau dence rules), there is a list of con-
the Regional Offices is as fol-
products. tacts at http://www.census.gov/
lows:
contacts/www/c-census2000.html.
You can access the Census Catalog, Atlanta 404-730-3833
from the Census Bureau’s home
Boston 617-424-0510 VII. Other Census
page or at <https://catalog.mso.
census. gov/>. The Catalog has a Charlotte 704-344-6144 Services
“Census 2000” category that pulls
Chicago 708-562-1740
together all available titles and The decennial census is well
gives short descriptions of the Dallas 214-253-4481 known because it is a national
Census 2000 products that are for Denver 303-969-7750 event involving every resident of
sale. You also may order products the United States. The Census
through the Customer Services Detroit 313-259-1875 Bureau also conducts numerous
Center at 301-763-INFO (4636). Kansas City 913-551-6711 other censuses and surveys includ-
ing the American Housing Survey,
The Census Product Update is a Los Angeles 818-904-6339 the Consumer Expenditure Survey;
biweekly newsletter with informa- New York 212-264-4730 the Current Population Survey;
tion on recently released and key the Census of Governments; the
upcoming Census Bureau data Philadelphia 215-656-7578 Economic Census, taken every
products. In addition, it often has Seattle 206-553-5835 5 years; and the Survey of Income
user hints and updates for online and Program Participation;
products. Subscribe to the e-mail ● State Data Centers located in
among others.
Update or view it online at: state agencies, universities,
libraries, and regional and local For information about the other
<http://www.census.gov/mp/www governments. The State Data censuses and surveys, contact the
/cpu.html>. Centers also provide training and partners listed above, look at the
technical assistance, among Census Bureau's Web site, call the
other services; Customer Service Center
Where To Go For Assistance
(301) 763-INFO (4636),
The Census Bureau has a nation- ● Census Information Centers, or send e-mail to
wide network to help users in located at 57 national, regional, <webmaster@census.gov>.
getting census information. The and local nonprofit organiza-
12
For more information, visit the Census 2000 Gateway at
http://www.census.gov/main/www/cen2000.html
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