United States Bureau of the Census - Definition and Overview

The United States Census Bureau (officially Bureau of the Census) is a part of the United States Department of Commerce. Its mission is defined in the Constitution of the United States, which directs that the population be enumerated at least once every ten years (through the U.S. Census), and the number of Representatives in Congress determined accordingly. It also is in charge collecting statistics about the nation, its people, and economy.

The Census Bureau's establishment is codified in Title 13 of the United States Code.

The sole purpose of the censuses and surveys is to secure general statistical information. Replies are obtained from individuals and establishments only to enable the compilation of such general statistics. The confidentiality of these replies is very important. By law, no one — neither the census takers nor any other Census Bureau employee — is permitted to reveal identifiable information about any person, household, or business.

• Region 1 (Northeast)

• Division 1 (New England)
• Division 2 (Middle Atlantic)

• Region 2 (Midwest)

• Division 3 (East North Central)
• Division 4 (West North Central)

• Region 3 (South)

• Division 5 (South Atlantic)
• Division 6 (East South Central)
• Division 7 (West South Central)

• Region 4 (West)

• Division 8 (Mountain)
• Division 9 (Pacific)

See also

Lists

• List of metropolitan areas by population
• List of places with fewer than ten people

Other

• Census-designated place
• Core based statistical area
• Demographics of the United States
• Demographic history of the United States
• Economic reports
• Mean center of U.S. population
• Minor civil division
• Race (U.S. Census)
• U.S. Census
• United States 2000 Census
• United States metropolitan area

Reference and external links

• The original version of this article was adapted from U.S. Census Bureau (http://www.census.gov/acsd/www/history.html) text.
• United States Census Bureau website (http://www.census.gov/)
• Geographic Areas Reference Manual (http://www.census.gov/geo/www/garm.html) from the U.S. Census Bureau contains detailed explanations of geographic terms used in the census.