Bureau Submits Subjects for 2020 Census, American Community Survey
For the first time ever, the 2020 Census will offer an online response option. The annual American Community Survey asks about computer and Internet use, commuting, disabilities, occupations, and health insurance status.
The U.S. Census Bureau has delivered its planned subjects for the 2020 Census to Congress as required. The subjects include gender, age, race, ethnicity, relationship, and homeownership status.
By law, the bureau must deliver decennial census subjects to Congress three years before Census Day, with the next one occurring April 1, 2020. "The subjects represent the necessary balance between the need for data and the Census Bureau's commitment to reduce the time it takes to complete the form. By law, the actual questions that will appear on the 2020 Census questionnaire must be submitted to Congress by March 31, 2018," according to its announcement.
"Our goal is a complete and accurate census," Census Bureau Director John H. Thompson said. "In planning for the 2020 Census, the Census Bureau has focused on improving its address list by using imagery, finding ways to increase household self-response, leveraging resources inside and outside the government, and making it easier and more efficient for census takers to complete their work. Furthermore, for the first time ever, the decennial will offer an online response option with the ultimate goal of improving question design and data quality while addressing community concerns."
The bureau also submitted to Congress its planned subjects for the American Community Survey; it is an annual survey that started in 2005. It provides key socioeconomic and housing statistics. The American Community Survey asks about computer and Internet use, commuting, disabilities, occupations, and health insurance status.