Research Guides
U.S. Decennial Census: 2020
Decade by decade information about how to access and use U.S. Census reports.
About the 2020 Census
Highlights
- 24th decennial census
- First decennial census that respondents can fill out online - also available via mail or phone
Questions asked
- Online from the Census Bureau here
- Information obtained from all households:
- Number of people staying in the residence on April 1, 2020
- Additional people staying in the residence not included in teh above on April 1, 2020
- Type of residence
- Telephone number
- Information obtained from all persons:
- Name
- Sex
- Age and date of birth
- Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin
- Race whether White, Black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander or Other
Census Data
- Social Explorer (only available with UW NetID)
Maps and reports based on U.S. Census and other data sources, 1790 to present. - Explore Census Data
Census and survey data about the United States, Puerto Rico and the Island Areas.
Census Video Tutorials
- Video: Getting Started with Data.census.govBasic overview for finding official Census data.
- Video: Demographic & Housing Characteristics (DHC)Age, sex, race, household type, family type, relationship to householder, group quarters, occupancy, and housing tenure variables.
- Video: Detailed Demographic & Population Characteristics File APopulation data by age and sex for detailed racial groups.
- Video: Detailed Demographic & Population Characteristics File BHousehold type and tenure for detailed racial groups.
- Video: Supplemental Demographic and Housing CharacteristicsCreate more complex tables showing households and the people living in them, beyond Demographic Profiles.
Concerns about the 2020 Census
- Disclosure Avoidance
This page provides information on how personal information provided will be protected. - Questions about Citizenship
Citizenship status did NOT appear as a question on the 2020 Census. This Berkeley Library guide (Power and the People: The U.S. Census and Who Counts) covers Census controversies. - Libraries' Guide to the 2020 Census
Prepared by the American Library Association to address basic concerns, including public libraries as sites for online responding.
Additional Resources
- 2020 Census WebsiteFor more information on the Census, check their official website.
- Census 2020, Office of Financial Management, State of WashingtonThe Office of Financial Management "serves as the liaison between Washington State and the U.S. Census Bureau, acts as an advocate on census-related issues for Washington and facilitates the bureau’s mission of achieving a complete, accurate 2020 census count."
- Why is the 2020 Census Important?This page provides an outline of what the Census is used for.
- EXHIBIT: Census2020Student curated exhibit, created prior to the 2020 Census
More Information from the US Census Bureau
- Measuring America: The Decennial Censuses From 1790 to 2000A 140-page report released in 2002 detailing the evolution and history of the census questionnaire from its inception in 1790 to 2000.
- Through the DecadesAn overview of the census from 1790 to 2010 that includes the history of census legislation, efforts to improve the count, and the technical innovations introduced to improve data collection, processing, and publication.
- Decennial Census by DecadeDetails events surrounding the decennial census. Click on the desired year.
Guides and Documentation
Census Compilations
- List of Census CompilationsCensus compilations usually cover large areas and can be very useful when comparing statistics over time.
Data Sources
- List of Raw Data SourcesRaw data files are intended to be loaded into statistical software for analysis and table creation. In some cases these files can be used with spreadsheet software as well.
- Social Explorer
This link opens in a new window
Maps and reports based on U.S. Census and other data sources, 1790 to present. - Explore Census DataPopulation, housing, economic and geographic information from a variety of surveys.
Contact
Need help? Call the Government Publications, Maps, Microforms & Newspapers help desk at (206) 543-4164 during desk hours. You can also consult the 24/7 Ask Us! reference service.