Census Bureau Releases Estimates of Undercount and Overcount in the 2020 Census

The Post-Enumeration Survey and Demographic Analysis Estimates help evaluate the 2020 Census results.

Census Bureau Releases Estimates of Undercount and Overcount in 2020 Census Post-Enumeration Survey and Demographic Analysis Help Evaluate 2020 Census Results March 10, 2022 — The U.S. Census Bureau released results today from two analyses about the quality of the 2020 Census counts. While both showed the strength of the count for the total U.S. population, each analysis revealed that the 2020 Census overcounted or undercounted various demographic groups. "Today's results show statistical evidence that the quality of the 2020 Census total population count is consistent with that of recent censuses. This is notable, given the unprecedented challenges of 2020," said Director Robert L. Santos. "But the results also include some limitations — the 2020 Census undercounted many of the same population groups we have historically undercounted, and it overcounted others." Read More The two analyses are from the Post-Enumeration Survey (PES) and Demographic Analysis Estimates (DA) and estimate how well the 2020 Census counted everyone in the nation and in certain demographic groups. They estimate the size of the U.S. population and then compare those estimates to the census counts. The PES estimates the population using a sample survey, while DA estimates the population using vital records and other data. Both the PES and DA estimate whether certain groups were undercounted, meaning the census likely missed some people, or whether they were overcounted, indicating some people may have been counted more than once while others may have been incorrectly included. While the two approaches are different, the results show the PES and DA mostly align, providing a more inclusive picture of who was counted in the 2020 Census. Continue reading... Director Santos Remarks on Today's 2020 Census Quality Results Watch remarks on today's new 2020 Census data quality results by Census Bureau Director Robert L. Santos.  Help us spread the word about 2020 Census data! Share this on social media or forward it to a friend. Share This Who Was Undercounted, Overcounted in the 2020 Census?  The Census Bureau today released the most detailed estimates to date of the undercount and overcount in the 2020 Census, known as coverage error.   The results show that there was no statistically significant net national coverage error. In effect, there was not a statistically significant overcount or undercount for the total population. But there were some populations that were undercounted or overcounted such as young children, older adults and working-age men. Read More Despite Efforts, Census Undercount of Young Children Persists Young children ages 0 to 4, a historically undercounted population in decennial censuses, continued to be undercounted in the 2020 Census despite major efforts by the Census Bureau to mitigate this problem.  In addition to difficulties in counting young children experienced in previous decennial censuses and other Census Bureau surveys, the 2020 Census faced unique circumstances. The COVID-19 pandemic not only delayed collection but also disrupted living arrangements for many families, making the counting of young children even more challenging.  Read More About the Census Bureau We serve as the nation's leading provider of quality data about its people and economy. The Census Bureau is the federal government's largest statistical agency. As the world's premier statistical agency, we are dedicated to making our nation a better place. Policy-makers, businesses, and the public use our data to make informed decisions. Resources for Media For media interviews, please contact the Public Information Office Toll Free at 877-861-2010, 301-763-3030, or pio@census.gov.

Stay connected with us! Join the conversation on social media.

SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: Subscriber Settings  |  Remove me from All Subscriptions  | Help

---

This is an official email from the U.S. Census Bureau. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us (http://www.census.gov/about/contact-us.html).