Census Bureau Trials Internet Surveys on 50,000 Households
Published Date: 2/20/2025
Notice
Summary
The Census Bureau is testing a new way to collect survey answers online from 50,000 households in 2025. This test will help decide if internet responses can improve how the Current Population Survey is done, aiming for smoother, faster data collection by 2027. Households can expect quick, 10-minute surveys, and the government is asking for public feedback on this plan within 30 days.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
50,000 Households Selected for Test
The Census Bureau will invite 50,000 households in 2025 to participate in a field test of an internet self-response version of the Current Population Survey. Participation is voluntary and the test is part of a two-stage testing plan that continues in 2026.
Monthly 10-Minute Survey Burden
Households selected for the 2025 field test can expect brief online interviews that average 10 minutes per response, conducted monthly. The notice reports total burden hours for the collection as 33,333 hours.
Possible CPS Method Change by 2027
The Census Bureau says the 2025 field test (with a second major field test in 2026) is intended to evaluate internet self-response with the goal of phasing changes into the Current Population Survey in 2027 to achieve smoother, faster data collection. If adopted, the survey's contact and interviewing methods may change starting in 2027.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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2026-14554, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Generic Clearance for Internet Panel Pretesting and Qualitative Survey Methods Testing
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