Census Bureau Refreshes Major Household Data Collection
Published Date: 5/14/2026
Notice
Summary
The Census Bureau is asking for approval to keep running the American Community Survey (ACS) and Puerto Rico Community Survey (PRCS), which help gather important info about millions of households and group living places. They’re making some updates to the forms and methods but keeping the same big picture. This affects over 3.7 million people and invites the public to comment before final approval, with no major cost changes expected.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
ACS/PRCS Continues; Mandatory Response
The American Community Survey (ACS) and Puerto Rico Community Survey (PRCS) will continue as mandatory monthly surveys. The notice estimates a total of 3,779,077 respondents and an annual average of 2,459,195 burden hours; the average household questionnaire takes about 40 minutes to complete.
PRCS Adds Internet Self-Response Option (2027)
Beginning in 2027, the Puerto Rico Community Survey (PRCS) will offer an internet self-response option for households and certain group quarters in Puerto Rico (including college/university student housing, group homes, military barracks, workers' group living quarters, and emergency and transitional shelters).
Nonresponse Follow-Up May Include Phone or In‑Person Contact
If sampled addresses do not respond by mail, internet, or phone, the Census Bureau may select them for nonresponse follow-up. Follow-up interviews can be collected by trained interviewers via telephone or personal visit using computer-assisted interviewing.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-14513, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; the Manufacturers' Shipments, Inventories and Orders (M3) Survey
The Census Bureau wants to keep collecting monthly info from U.S. manufacturers about their shipments, inventories, and orders through the M3 survey. They’re asking the public to share thoughts by September 18, 2026, before they get final approval. This helps keep the data flowing without adding extra hassle or cost to businesses.
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
The Census Bureau wants to keep testing online surveys and internet panels to make sure their questions work well and don’t waste your time. They’re asking for your thoughts by September 18, 2026, before getting final approval. This helps keep surveys smart, quick, and less annoying for everyone involved, with no extra cost or big time changes.
2026-14512, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Survey of Housing Starts, Sales, and Completions
The Census Bureau wants to keep running its Survey of Housing Starts, Sales, and Completions for three more years and is asking the public to share their thoughts by September 18, 2026. This survey helps track new home building and sales, affecting builders, buyers, and policymakers. No big changes or costs are planned, just a smooth continuation to keep housing data fresh and useful.
2026-13801, Age Search Fee Structure
Starting August 7, 2026, the Census Bureau is raising the Age Search fee from $65 to $155 and the rush fee from $20 to $50. This service helps people get official proof of their age from old census records, especially if they don’t have a birth certificate. These changes cover the real costs of processing requests, which haven’t been updated since 2004.
2026-11886, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; DOC-Census Workforce Development Collection
The Census Bureau wants your thoughts on a new survey about workforce training programs run by the Department of Commerce. This survey will help improve how they track and support people in these programs, with no cost to participants. You’ve got until August 11, 2026, to share your feedback before the survey gets the green light from the Office of Management and Budget.
2026-11293, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Housing Vacancy Survey (HVS)
The Census Bureau is asking to keep collecting housing vacancy info every month without changes. About 59,000 landlords, rental agents, and neighbors help by sharing quick updates on empty homes, which helps everyone understand the housing market better. This survey keeps running smoothly with no extra cost or time burden, and you’ve got 30 days to share your thoughts!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-09581, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Slope and Shaft Sinking Plans (Pertains to the Surface Work Areas of Underground Coal Mines)
The Department of Labor is asking for public feedback on a safety plan that underground coal mine operators must submit before digging new slopes or shafts. This plan helps keep miners safe by detailing how the work will be done, what equipment will be used, and the geology involved. Comments are open until June 15, 2026, and this process ensures mining stays safe without adding extra costs.
Next: 2026-09583, Request for Nominations for the Acadia National Park Advisory Commission
The National Park Service is looking for awesome people to join the Acadia National Park Advisory Commission. If you live in or love the Mount Desert Island area or nearby towns, this is your chance to help shape the park’s future! Get your nominations in by June 15, 2026, and be part of decisions about land, conservation, and park use—no pay, but plenty of pride!