Census is a term that refers to a process of collecting, analyzing, and disseminating demographic, social, and economic data about a population. This process is typically conducted by a government agency, such as the United States Census Bureau, and is used to gather information about the size, composition, and characteristics of a population. The data collected through a census is used to make decisions about policy, allocate resources, and plan for the future.

One example of a census is the decennial census conducted by the United States Census Bureau. This census is conducted every ten years and is used to collect data on the population of the United States. The data collected through this census is used to determine the number of congressional representatives each state will have, as well as to allocate federal funds to states and localities.

Another example of a census is the American Community Survey (ACS), which is conducted by the United States Census Bureau on a continuous basis. The ACS is used to collect data on the social, economic, and housing characteristics of the United States population. This data is used to inform decisions about policy and allocation of resources, as well as to provide a more detailed picture of the American population than is possible through the decennial census.

Censuses can also be conducted at the local level. For example, a city or county may conduct a census to collect data on the population and characteristics of its residents. This data can be used to make decisions about policy, allocation of resources, and planning for the future.

Censuses can be conducted through a variety of methods, including mail-in surveys, phone interviews, and in-person interviews. In the United States, the Census Bureau conducts the decennial census through a combination of these methods, with most households receiving a mail-in survey and those that do not respond being contacted by phone or in person to complete the census.

The data collected through a census is typically used for a variety of purposes. For example, the data collected through the decennial census is used to determine the number of congressional representatives each state will have and to allocate federal funds to states and localities. The data collected through the ACS is used to inform decisions about policy and allocation of resources, as well as to provide a more detailed picture of the American population than is possible through the decennial census.

Censuses are an important tool for governments and other organizations to gather information about the population and make informed decisions. Without the data collected through censuses, it would be difficult for governments and other organizations to accurately understand the size, composition, and characteristics of their populations and make informed decisions about policy and allocation of resources.