DOWNLOADABLE CENSUS DATA
This page includes selected Decennial Census counts, as well as Intercensal and Postcensal estimates. Each set of counts or estimates contains several datasets covering different geographies and demographic characteristics. To download datasets not available here, visit the following Census Bureau pages.
The counts and estimates above cover basic population, housing, and demographic detail. The American Community Survey (ACS) covers a wider range of socioeconomic topics such as education, income, household characteristics, and much more. The ACS Query Tool at the bottom of the page allows users to search and download ACS data by year, geography, topic, and demographic characteristics.
The Census Bureau produces many additional surveys and estimates. Use the Census API Tool to search and download the various other data products available through their API.
WHEN TO USE EACH DATA PRODUCT
DECENNIAL CENSUS
The decennial census is a complete count of the resident population as of April 1 of each census year. It is often used for legal purposes such as redistricting.
INTERCENSAL ESTIMATES
Intercensal estimates are revised estimates for each year between two decennial census counts. They are the most accurate estimates for non-census years but are only available for a previous decade after the most recent decennial census.
POSTCENSAL ESTIMATES
Postcensal estimates are produced for each year following a decennial census. While the intercensal estimates are more accurate, postcensal estimates are the most up-to-date source of population data.
AMERICAN COMMUINITY SURVEY (ACS)
Unlike the intercensal and postcensal estimates, which are based on the complete count of the entire population and updated with birth, death, and migration data, the American Community Survey is based on a sample of the population. This means estimates from the ACS will have a margin of error. However, these estimates provide valuable detail on a wide range of socioeconomic topics and are available for smaller geographies than either the intercensal or postcensal estimates. The ACS Query Tool is intended to guide users to the most appropriate ACS tables for their needs.
OTHER CENSUS DATA PRODUCTS
There are over 130 surveys and programs carried out by the U.S. Census Bureau. In addition to the 4 mentioned above, other popular data products include the Current Population Survey, Economic Census, and County Business Patterns. Use the Census API Tool to browse and obtain data from the various surveys available through the Census Bureau’s API.