The U.S. census is a survey of population and other data conducted every 10 years. Censuses have been taken since the inception of the United States and have provided important data for the government.
Early Censuses
The first U.S. census was conducted in 1790. The U.S. population at that time was 3,929,214. Early censuses named only the head of the household and his birthplace. It also gave an accounting of other household members along with their ages.
Later Censuses
In 1850, census takers began recording the names and ages of all people living in a household. It was the first census to also count slaves. Slaves were also counted in the 1860 census as were "free people of color." Other data included place of birth, occupation and whether household members could read.
Census Privacy Laws
There is a privacy law that forbids the release of census information for 72 years after the census. As of 2009, the most recent census available to the public is the 1930 census. The 1940 census will be available on April 4, 2012.
Privacy and Misuse of Census Data
Census data is protected by federal law. In 1980, federal courts ruled that no government agency had the right to private census data. This decision was handed down after FBI agents attempted to seize census records. During World War II, Japanese-Americans were identified by census data.
Census Data Use
Census data is used to reapportion seats in the House of Representatives. It is also used to project future housing needs, develop assistance programs and draw legislative districts.
Tags: Census data, census data, Data Census, Data Census data, first census, household members
