US Census Records & Demographics
The United States Census Bureau is the leading source of quality data about the nation's people and economy. The decennial census (every 10 years) is constitutionally mandated to count every resident of the United States. The American Community Survey (ACS) provides annual estimates on income, education, housing, employment, and demographics for communities of all sizes. As of July 1, 2025, the U.S. population is estimated at 341,784,857. This page connects you to every major Census Bureau tool and historical census database. Updated March 2026.
Census Bureau Quick Access Tools
- Census QuickFacts — Fast access to key statistics for every state, county, city, and town in the U.S. Topics include population, race/ethnicity, age, education, income, housing, and business data. Updated with Vintage 2025 estimates.
- data.census.gov — The primary Census Bureau data portal. Search and download tables from the decennial census, ACS, economic censuses, and population estimates.
- American Community Survey (ACS) — Annual survey covering 40+ topics for communities with 65,000+ residents. 5-year ACS provides estimates for all geographies down to census tracts and block groups.
- Population and Housing Unit Estimates — Annual July 1 estimates for states, counties, cities, and towns between decennial censuses.
Key 2025–2026 Census Statistics
The Census Bureau released its Vintage 2025 national and state population estimates in early 2026:
- U.S. Population (July 1, 2025): 341,784,857 — a net increase of approximately 1.8 million from July 2024.
- Population growth rate: 0.5% year-over-year (July 2024 to July 2025), reflecting slowing growth as immigration rates moderated.
- Fastest-growing states (2024–2025): Texas, Florida, South Carolina, Montana, and Delaware.
- Most populous cities: New York City (~8.3M), Los Angeles (~3.8M), Chicago (~2.7M), Houston (~2.3M), Phoenix (~1.6M).
- Median household income (ACS 2023, latest available): $80,610 nationally.
- College graduation rate (25+ years, ACS 2023): 35.7% hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Historical Census Records (Genealogy)
Decennial census records become publicly available 72 years after the census was taken (to protect individual privacy). The most recently released census is the 1950 census (released in April 2022). The 1960 census will be released in 2032.
- Census Bureau – Genealogy Resources — How to use census records for family history research.
- 1950 Census Search — Free searchable index of the 1950 decennial census with links to digitized images.
- National Archives – Census Records — Microfilm and digital access to all census records from 1790 through 1950.
- FamilySearch – U.S. Census Records — Free indexed census records from 1790–1940 with images, integrated with genealogical family trees.
Business & Economic Census Data
- Economic Census — Conducted every 5 years (last: 2022), covering employment, payroll, revenue, and establishments for all U.S. industries down to the ZIP code level.
- Business Formation Statistics — Weekly data on new business applications by state and industry, updated each week.
- Census Business Data — All business surveys and programs: County Business Patterns, Nonemployer Statistics, Annual Business Survey, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the decennial census and the ACS?
The decennial census (every 10 years) counts every person living in the U.S. and collects only basic demographic info (age, sex, race, housing tenure). The American Community Survey is a continuous annual survey of about 3.5 million households that collects detailed socioeconomic data. The ACS provides annual estimates but is based on samples, not full counts.
When will individual records from the 2020 census be released?
The 72-year rule means 2020 census individual records will be publicly released in 2092. The 1950 census was released April 1, 2022; the 1960 census will be released April 1, 2032.
How do I find census data for a small town?
Use Census QuickFacts for cities with 5,000+ residents. For smaller places, use the 5-year American Community Survey estimates at data.census.gov — 5-year ACS provides estimates for all geographies, including census tracts and small towns.
Is my individual census response confidential?
Yes. By law (Title 13, U.S. Code), the Census Bureau cannot share your individual census responses with any other government agency, including law enforcement, immigration authorities, or the IRS. Individual data is protected for 72 years.
Page updated: March 2026