The U.S. Census Bureau proposes to extend the Special Census Program, without change and seeks public comment by September 9, 2025.
“A Special Census is an enumeration of population, housing units, group quarters, and transitory locations, conducted by the Census Bureau at the request of a Governmental Unit (GU). The Special Census questionnaires will collect the same information that was gathered during the 2020 Census. Title 13, United States Code, Section 196 authorizes the Census Bureau to conduct Special Censuses on a cost reimbursable basis for the government of any state, county, city, or other political subdivision within a state. This includes the District of Columbia, American Indian Reservations, Alaskan Native villages, Puerto Rico, the Island Areas (e.g., American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands), and other governmental units that require current population data between decennial censuses.”
According to the Federal Register Notice, “Local officials frequently request a Special Census when there has been a significant population change in their community due to annexation, growth, or the addition of new group quarters facilities. Communities may also consider a Special Census if there was a significant number of vacant housing units during the previous decennial census that are now occupied. … Many states use Special Census population statistics to determine the distribution of state funds to local jurisdictions. The local jurisdictions may also use the data to plan new schools, transportation systems, housing programs, or water treatment facilities.”
- Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Special Census Program https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/07/11/2025-13009/agency-information-collection-activities-submission-to-the-office-of-management-and-budget-omb-for
