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The U.S. Census Bureau serves as the leading source of quality data about the nation's people and economy. While the U.S. Census Bureau is best known for the decennial census, it conducts numerous surveys and censuses that measure changing individual and household demographics and the economic condition of the nation. Activities include the Economic Census every five years, County Business Patterns, the American Community Survey, development of population estimates and projections, resources on geography, and other data collection efforts that provide the basis for other agencies such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics' monthly unemployment rate and Consumer Price Index. The first census of the United States was taken in 1790; a "census" refers to a complete count of a population. This differs from a "sample" of a population conducted in a survey, in which the data are weighted to reflect the entire population. Today, in addition to taking a census of the population every 10 years, the Census Bureau conducts censuses of economic activity and state and local governments every five years. And every year, the Census Bureau conducts more than 100 other surveys. The sole purpose of the censuses and surveys is to collect general statistical information from individuals and establishments in order to compile statistics. Statistics help people understand what is happening and help people plan for growth and change. The most recent decennial census was conducted in 2000. Data from Census 2000 were released in a series of four "summary files". Summary File 1 (SF 1) data are drawn from responses to questions asked of everyone counted in Census 2000: on age, sex, race, Hispanic or Latino origin, household relationship, and owner/renter status. The three other summary files (SF 2, SF 3, and SF 4) fill in more parts of the picture. Although SF 1 has substantial race and Hispanic or Latino detail, SF 2 vastly expands on these tabulations. SF 3 and SF 4 provide data from the long form, the questionnaire received by a sample of the population, about one in six households across the nation. They represent the input of 19 million households weighted to reflect the entire population. The “long form” asked 52 questions including all of the questions on the short form as well as income, education, language spoken, housing structure, housing costs, commuting, and many other topics. SF 3 is arguably the most popular file from the census.
Overview of U.S. Census Bureau Resources The U.S. Census Bureau website has many resources. The website is organized by resources on People, Business, and Geography. Here we highlight two helpful resources for data on North Dakota.
About Changes to the 2010 Census See more The next decennial census is planned for 2010. The short form, which is mandated by the federal government, will be conducted in 2010 as in past censuses. However, in an effort to provide the most up-to-date data possible, the Census Bureau is replacing the long form of the census with data collected annually through the American Community Survey.
Estimates Program and Projections Program The U.S. Census Bureau creates estimates of the current population as well as projections of the future population. North Dakota also develops its own projections of population. View explanation of Census 2000 race categories modified for use in the production of post-2000 population estimates and projections. Data by State Legislative District Access Data
Census 2000 Profiles: DP-1 through DP-4 See more We have organized access to North Dakota data from a series of Census 2000 profiles for varying levels of geography (including state, counties, American Indian Reservations, and cities/townships), called DP-1 through DP-4. DP-1 covers General Demographic Characteristics such as total population, sex, age, and race. DP-2 covers Selected Social Characteristics such as educational attainment, marital status, and grandparents as caregivers. DP-3 covers Selected Economic Characteristics such as employment status and income. DP-4 covers Selected Housing Characteristics such as total housing units, occupants per room, and mortgage status. Historical Census Data (through 2000) See more We have created a variety of tables and organized
other information regarding select North Dakota data from Census
2000 as well as historical census data. Topics
include: Census Outline Maps - Race and Hispanic/Latino Origin - Select Data Links - Other Info |
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| © 2001-2008 North
Dakota State Data Center at North
Dakota State University, P.O. Box 5636, Fargo, ND 58105 Phone: 701-231-7980 ^ Fax: 701-231-9730 ^ Richard Rathge, Ph.D., Director ^ Ramona Danielson, Webmaster |
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