Census Program Stays: Local Governments Get Mid-Decade Headcounts
Published Date: 11/21/2025
Notice
Summary
The Census Bureau is asking for approval to keep running its Special Census Program, which helps local governments get updated population counts between the big 10-year censuses. This program affects cities, counties, and other local areas that need fresh data due to growth or changes, and it costs them to request it. The government is inviting comments for 30 more days before finalizing, so communities can plan ahead and budget for this important count.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Local Governments Must Pay for Special Census
Local governments (cities, counties, and other political subdivisions) must pay the Census Bureau to run a special census on a cost-reimbursable basis. The cost varies by the government's housing and population counts, the Census Bureau provides a cost estimate and Memorandum of Agreement, and work begins only after a signed MOA and an initial payment are transmitted; requests for cost estimates are accepted through May 2027.
Special Census Data Limits and Privacy Protections
Special census results will be delivered to requesting governments and posted at data.census.gov, but they will not be used to update official 2020 Census products or apportionment counts; they may be used to update the Population Estimates Program. All special census statistics will be subject to disclosure avoidance using differential privacy methods consistent with 2020 Census products.
Residents May Be Asked to Spend Time Responding
If your area requests a special census, you may be asked to respond online or in person; the notice estimates 357,080 respondents with about 10 minutes per Special Census questionnaire and total burden hours of 59,560. The Census Bureau will send invitation letters, reminders, and may follow up in the field or by phone to nonresponding housing units.
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