The United States Census Bureau expects to deliver new state population estimates for 2020 before the end of November. But the Bureau has cautioned people against using these estimates given that the pandemic affected its ability to collect accurate data. At the same time, the Bureau is trying to inspire confidence in the full “census” state totals. But these “totals” deserve closer scrutiny. Trillions of dollars are at stake over the next decade, as well as control of Congress and the Electoral College.
The Census Bureau provides two main population counts for the United States. They include annual population estimates based on sample surveys and a complete “census” count once every 10 years. The annual estimates come from the American Community Survey (ACS) program, which is based on sample surveys covering a fraction of households. The once-a-decade (“decennial”) complete census totals come from a much more extensive effort, theoretically covering everyone in America.
Read Full Article »