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United States Census Bureau

U.S. agency responsible for the census and related statistics / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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The United States Census Bureau (USCB), officially the Bureau of the Census, is a principal agency of the U.S. Federal Statistical System, responsible for producing data about the American people and economy. The Census Bureau is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce and its director is appointed by the President of the United States.

Quick facts: Agency overview, Formed, Preceding agency, He...
United States Census Bureau
Seal_of_the_United_States_Census_Bureau.svg
United_States_Census_Bureau_Wordmark.svg
Agency overview
FormedJuly 1, 1902; 121 years ago (1902-07-01)
Preceding agency
  • Temporary census offices
Headquarters4600 Silver Hill Road, Suitland, Maryland, U.S. (Washington, D.C. mailing address)
Agency executive
Parent agencyU.S. Department of Commerce
Websitecensus.gov
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The Census Bureau's primary mission is conducting the U.S. census every ten years, which allocates the seats of the U.S. House of Representatives to the states based on their population.[1] The bureau's various censuses and surveys help allocate over $675 billion in federal funds every year and it assists states, local communities, and businesses make informed decisions.[2][3][4] The information provided by the census informs decisions on where to build and maintain schools, hospitals, transportation infrastructure, and police and fire departments.[4]

In addition to the decennial census, the Census Bureau continually conducts over 130 surveys and programs a year,[5] including the American Community Survey, the U.S. Economic Census, and the Current Population Survey.[1] Furthermore, economic and foreign trade indicators released by the federal government typically contain data produced by the Census Bureau.