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Decennial Census
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The Decennial Census Long Form Sample is a 1-in-6 sample of all households in the U.S. The questions asked of this sample include age, race, sex, educational attainment, income, place of work, occupation, household relationships, housing unit characteristics, etc.. Because these files are large, processing with them can be very time and resource intensive. In cases where there is no valid response for an individual (or household where applicable), the item is filled in using a system of allocation. Allocation consists of using the response of a similar observation to fill in a missing item. A great deal of documentation on the Decennial Census is available. Brief descriptions are available on the Census Bureau's website.
The 1960 census was the first to use the "long form" administered to a sample of households, while most households received a "short form" containing only the most basic demographic questions needed for apportionment and to ensure an accurate census total. This method was used through the 2000 census. The social and economic information gathered on the "long form" is now collected using the American Community Survey (ACS), and all respondents received a "short form" in the 2010 census.
Selecting the Decennial Census data for 2020 will result in provisioning of the Master Decennial Files (MDFs). These files do not allow for linkages or provide household structure. To link or obtain household structure, please select the Census Edited File (CEF), ICPSR ID 4456.
Detailed Methodology
All U.S. Households
- Mixed or multi modes
- Survey (self- or interviewer-administered)
Since the first census in 1790, the U.S. Census Bureau has collected data using a census "schedule," also called a "questionnaire” or “form." Between 1790 and 1820, U.S. Marshals conducting the census were responsible for supplying paper and writing-in headings related to the questions asked (i.e., name, age, sex, race, etc.). In 1830, Congress authorized the printing of uniform schedules for use throughout the United States.
The 1940 Census included separate questionnaires to count the population and collect housing data. The 1960 and later censuses combined population and housing questions onto a single questionnaire mailed to households or completed during a census taker's visit.
Between 1970 and 2000, the U.S. Census Bureau used two questionnaires. Most households received a short-form questionnaire asking a minimum number of questions. A sample of households received a long-form questionnaire that included additional questions about the household. The 2010 Census had just one questionnaire consisting of ten questions.
The 2020 Decennial Census data does not alllow linking or contain household structure variables. In order to link this data, request the Census Edited File.
Request BOC PIK Crosswalk Census Unedited File to assign PIKs to respondents. Additionally, 2000 Decennial Census was the last year of the "long-form". The ACS includes detailed questions for all post-2000 years, including Decennial years. . Block Group. Block. Voting District