# Presentation: 688184

## SDC/BIDC Annual Conference
October 16, 2002

*October 16, 2002*

**Special Census Program****for the 2000 Decade**

## What is a Special Census?

- A Special Census is a basic count of population and housing authorized by Title 13, Section 196, and is conducted at the request of a local or tribal government.
- Special Censuses are paid for by the governmental unit and conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau.
- Interviews are conducted using the update/enumerate methodology with a questionnaire that is similar to the Census 2000 short form.
- Certified population and housing counts are provided to the jurisdiction and are primarily used for state and county funding allocation in areas of high growth or annexation.
- State law dictates if local governments can or must use Census Bureau-certified intercensal data for funding purposes.

## Special Censuses in the 1990’s

**437 Special Censuses were conducted in the 1990’s.  The Census Bureau certified counts for 9 million people and 4 million  housing units.**
**The Special Censuses program in the 1990s included an increase of 72 Special Censuses over those conducted in the 1980s.**

**25% of Special Censuses**
**were conducted **
**In 1997**

- Special Census Program ended in July 1998

## States and Regions that ConductedSpecial Censuses in the 1990’s

_**REGIONS:**_
- Chicago		285
- Kansas City	94
- Denver		27
- Charlotte		17
- Atlanta		8
- Philadelphia	5
- Dallas		1

_**STATES**_
- Arkansas		38
- Arizona		22
- Florida		8
- Iowa			48
- Illinois		272
- Indiana		11
- Minnesota		4
- Mississippi		1
- Missouri		3
- Nebraska		1
- North Carolina	11
- Pennsylvania		5
- South Carolina	4
- Tennessee		2
- Wisconsin		2
- Wyoming		3

## Special Census Programfor the 2000 Decade

- The first Special Census of this decade was conducted in Montgomery, Illinois.  “Special Census Day” was September 6, 2002.  Field work is done and processing and tabulation are currently in process.
- Special Census cost estimates are now being processed for local and tribal governments by the Office of Special Censuses.
- Approximately 100 governmental units have already expressed interest in conducting a Special Census during this decade.
- We anticipate conducting about 600 Special Censuses from now through 2007.

## Special Census Program forthe 2000 Decade (continued)

- Field Division is the Sponsor, conducts data collection through regional offices, and provides program oversight and direction.
- Geography Division provides updated maps and a Master Address File extract for each Special Census.  Following each Special Census, address updates to the Master Address File and map updates are provided to Geography Division.
- National Processing Center captures data through Key From Image technology.
- Decennial Systems and Contracts Management Office tabulates data for each Special Census.
- Population Division reviews data for accuracy before releasing results to the local government.  Under certain circumstances, updated numbers are incorporated into the Population Estimates program.

## Quality Assurance Enhancements

- Compare Special Census population and housing characteristics to Census 2000 data at the assignment area level.
- Review assignment areas with zero housing units.
- Review single person, last resort, and unknown households.

## Governmental Unit Responsibilities

- Review and update Boundary and Annexation Survey maps.
- Recruit job applicants at 3-5X the number of field positions required.
- Provide space for testing and training.
- Conduct promotion and awareness campaign among local residents.
- Provide secured 24/7 office space with phones, fax, and basic office furniture.
- Pay temporary census staff based on invoices provided by the Special Census Office.
- Review preliminary counts of population and housing units.
- Receive final population and housing unit counts about 4 months after Special Census data collection is completed.

## Major Factors Affecting SpecialCensus Costs Since the 1990’s

- * Time/HU – Based on decennial census changes from 1990 to 2000 and current survey experience, the time required to complete one housing unit has increased over the decade by 33 percent.
- 1 Rounded from 36.5¢/mile

## Estimated Cost Per Person

**     **_**Population Enumerated**_**	**_**Mid 1990’s**_**	**_**Today**_
**	****(varies by size of Special Census)****	****	****	****	****(2000 dollars)**
**	****	****2,500****	****	****	****$6.20****	****	****  $11.15**
**	****	****65,000****	****	****	****$3.05****	****	****   $7.00**

- The projected cost per person is a preliminary figure that will be modified once we have completed the entire Special Census process in Montgomery, Illinois (including processing and tabulation). As the decade progresses, costs may increase due to inflation.  Factors that uniquely affect the cost of conducting a Special Census include:
- 	Local pay rates for field staff
- 	Recruitment difficulties in area
- 	Complexity of enumeration area

## How to Request a Cost Estimate

- Governmental Units interested in conducting a Special Census should review our website, located at **www.census.gov/specialcensus** to download a cost estimate request form and detailed instructions.
- A completed form, letter from HEO, and $200 processing fee must be received before a cost estimate can be processed.
- Governmental units will receive a cost estimate that is valid for 90 days, as well as a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
- Upon receipt of a signed MOU and initial payment, the Special Census process begins.
- Individual Special Censuses will be scheduled at the most beneficial time for all parties involved, including the governmental unit and Census Bureau.

## Special Census Websitewww.census.gov/specialcensus

- 	Bookmark the Special Census website because it is regularly being updated with new information.  Cost estimate information, FAQ’s, and requirements for a governmental unit are included in the site now.  In the future we will add recruitment tools and outreach materials for use by governmental units that conduct a Special Census.

## For more information:

- Visit the Special Census Internet website for detailed operational planning:
- 		**www.census.gov/specialcensus**
- Send an email to the Office of Special Censuses at:
- 		**SpecialCensusProgram@census.gov ****	**
- Contact Mike Stump or Tim Olson in the Special Census Office:
- 		Before November 1, 2002:	**(301) 457-1429**
**	****	**On or after November 1, 2002:**	****(301) 763-1429**