Decennial Census and Apportionment: Frequently Asked Questions (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Aug. 14, 2024 |
| Report Number |
IN12403 |
| Report Type |
Insight |
| Authors |
Sarah J. Eckman; Taylor R. Knoedl; Mainon A. Schwartz |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
Every 10 years, the U.S. Constitution requires administration of a national census—an “actual
Enumeration”—conducted “in such Manner as [Congress] shall by Law direct.” The next decennial
census is scheduled to be conducted in 2030. At times, Congress has considered legislation to address
decennial census operations. In the 118th Congress, for example, H.R. 7109 passed the House and is one
of several bills introduced to require a citizenship question on the decennial census and to base
apportionment of House seats on the U.S. citizen population (see also H.R. 6942 and S. 3659). Another
introduced bill, H.R. 7911, would prohibit inclusion of a citizenship question on the decennial census.
This Insight addresses common questions regarding decennial census population counts and their role in
congressional apportionment. For further information, contact the authors or see additional CRS products
related to apportionment and to the U.S. Bureau of the Census (Census Bureau), located in the U.S.
Department of Commerce (Commerce Department), which conducts the decennial census, among other
efforts.
