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Introducing a new way to navigate
by topics. Access the latest news, data, publications and more
around topics of interest.
Population
Our population statistics cover age, sex, race, Hispanic origin, migration, ancestry, language use, veterans, as well as population estimates and projections.
This section provides information on a range of educational topics, from educational attainment and school enrollment to school districts, costs and financing.
Our statistics highlight trends in household and family composition, describe characteristics of the residents of housing units, and show how they are related.
Health statistics on insurance coverage, disability, fertility and other health issues are increasingly important in measuring the nation's overall well-being.
We measure the housing and
construction industry, track homeownership rates, and produce
statistics on the physical and financial characteristics of
our homes.
The U.S. Census Bureau provides
data for the Federal, state and local governments as well as
voting, redistricting, apportionment and congressional
affairs.
Search an alphabetical index of
keywords and phrases to access Census Bureau statistics,
publications, products, services, data, and data tools.
Geography
Geography provides the framework
for Census Bureau survey design, sample selection, data
collection, tabulation, and dissemination.
About
Geography is central to the work
of the Bureau, providing the framework for survey design,
sample selection, data collection, tabulation, and
dissemination.
Education
Find resources on how to use
geographic data and products with statistical data,
educational blog postings, and presentations.
GSS
Initiative
The Geographic Support System
Initiative will integrate improved address coverage, spatial
feature updates, and enhanced quality assessment and
measurement.
Interactive
Maps
Work with interactive mapping
tools from across the Census Bureau.
Maps
& Data
Find geographic data and products
such as Shapefiles, KMLs, TIGERweb, boundary files, geographic
relationship files, and reference and thematic maps.
Metropolitan
& Micropolitan
Metropolitan and micropolitan
areas are geographic entities used by Federal statistical
agencies in collecting, tabulating, and publishing Federal
statistics.
Partnerships
Find information about specific
partnership programs and learn more about our partnerships
with other organizations.
Reference
Definitions of geographic terms,
why geographic areas are defined, and how the Census Bureau
defines geographic areas.
Research
We conduct research on geographic
topics such as how to define geographic areas and how
geography changes over time.
Library
Visit our library of Census Bureau
multimedia files. Collection formats include audio, video,
mobile apps, images, and publications.
Audio
Collection of audio features and
sound bites.
Infographics
The Census Bureau packages data
and information into easy-to-understand visuals.
Photos
Browse Census Bureau images.
Publications
Read briefs and reports from
Census Bureau experts.
Video
Watch Census Bureau vignettes,
testimonials, and video files.
Working
Papers
Read research analyses from Census
Bureau experts.
Data
Access data through products and
tools including data visualizations, mobile apps, interactive
web apps and other software.
Data
Tools and Apps
Find information using interactive
applications to get statistics from multiple surveys.
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About Us
Geography is central to the work of the Census Bureau, providing the framework for survey design, sample selection, data collection, tabulation, and dissemination. Geography provides meaning and context to statistical data.
Given the diversity of our population, our economic activities, and our geographic areas, use of the latest and best geographic methodologies is critical to the Census Bureau’s ability to serve as the leading provider of statistical and geospatial data. Our geographic area concepts, information, and statistical data must keep pace with the needs of the researchers and analysts who work to understand the changing distribution and characteristics of our people, places and economy.
Who we are
Geographers, Cartographers, Statisticians, and Information Technology Specialists
What do we do
Develop criteria to define geographic areas
Work with partners
to collect geographic data about their boundaries including annexations
to ensure we have the most up to date geographic and address data
to develop tools for more efficient ways to share data
to share best practices
Maintain a large spatial database with spatial data for the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Island Areas
Create reference and thematic maps to support censuses and surveys
Develop standards and manage governmental units, administrative, and statistical boundary data to meet obligations to the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC)
Digitize spatial updates to the MAF/TIGER system
Process and geocode millions of addresses in our Master Address File (MAF)
Develop quality measures and assess the quality of our geographic and address data
Conduct research on geographic and address topics
Develop programs to automatically enforce geographic rules, create products, geocode address lists, and create maps
Create tools to visualize geographic data
Source: U.S. Census Bureau | Geography | (301) 763-1128 |
Last Revised:
January 27, 2014