Assessing the 2020 Census

Since 1790, the U.S. census has been a recurring, essential civic ceremony in which everyone counts; it reaffirms a commitment to equality among all, as political representation is explicitly tied to population counts. Assessing the 2020 Census looks at the quality of the 2020 Census and its constituent operations, drawing appropriate comparisons with prior censuses. The report acknowledges the extraordinary challenges the Census Bureau faced in conducting the census and provides guidance as it plans for the 2030 Census. In addition, the report encourages research and development as the goals and designs for the 2030 Census are developed, urging the Census Bureau to establish a true partnership with census data users and government partners at the state, local, tribal, and federal levels.Table of ContentsFront MatterAbstractSummary1 Introduction2 Overview of the 2020 Census3 Age Heaping as an Indicator of Data Quality4 Coverage Measurement in the 2020 Census5 Master Address File6 Self-Response to the Census7 Nonresponse Followup8 Use of Administrative Records for Enumeration in the 2020 Census9 Measurement of the Group Quarters Population10 Measurement of Race and Ethnicity11 Impact of New Confidentiality-Protection Methods on 2020 Census Data Products12 Learning from 2020, Preparing for 2030ReferencesAppendixesAppendix A: Full List of Conclusions and RecommendationsAppendix B: Glossary and AbbreviationsAppendix C: Additional Detail and Reference on 2020 Census OperationsAppendix D: Extensions of Census Coverage EvaluationsAppendix E: 2020 Census Group Quarters Definitions and Type Code ListAppendix F: Additional Detail and Reference on Data Products and Disclosure AvoidanceAppendix G: Biographical Sketches of Panel Members and Staff