Subjects Planned for the 2010 Census 

and American Community Survey 

Federal Legislative and Program Uses 

U S C E N S U S B U R E A U U.S. Department of Commerce 

Economics and Statistics Administration 

U.S. CENSUS BUREAU 
U S C E N S U S B U R E A U

2010 DECENNIAL CENSUS PROGRAM 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

A. INTRODUCTION .....................................................................................................vii 

B. 2010 CENSUS 

Age ..........................................................................................................................2 

Gender ....................................................................................................................4 

Hispanic Origin ........................................................................................................6 

Race ........................................................................................................................8 

Relationship...........................................................................................................10 

Tenure ...................................................................................................................12

C. AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY 

Basic Characteristics 

Age .............................................. 16 Labor Force Status .............................50 

Gender ........................................ 18 Industry, Occupation, and Class

Hispanic Origin ............................ 20 of Worker.......................................52 

Race ............................................ 22 Place of Work and Journey to Work ...54 

Relationship................................. 24 Work Status Last Year........................56 

Vehicles Available...............................58 

Social Characteristics 

Marital Status............................... 26 Physical Characteristics 

Fertility......................................... 28 Year Structure Built ............................60 

Grandparents as Caregivers........ 30 Units in Structure ................................62 

Ancestry ...................................... 32 Year Moved Into Unit..........................64 

Place of Birth, Citizenship, and Rooms ................................................66 

Year of Entry............................ 34 Bedrooms ...........................................68 

Language Spoken at Home......... 36 Kitchen Facilities.................................70 

Educational Attainment and Plumbing Facilities..............................72 

School Enrollment ................... 38 House Heating Fuel............................74 

Residence 1 Year Ago................. 40 Telephone Service Available ............. 76 

Veteran Status and Period of Farm Residence .................................78 

Military Service ........................ 42 

Disability ...................................... 44 Financial Characteristics 

Tenure ................................................80 

Economic Characteristics Value ..................................................82 

Income......................................... 46 Rent....................................................84 

Food Stamps Benefit ................... 48 Selected Monthly Owner Costs ..........86 

D. NEW FOR THE AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY

Health Insurance Coverage.................................................................................. 90 

Marital History....................................................................................................... 92 

VA Service-Connected Disability Rating............................................................... 94 

E. SUBJECT IN THE 2000 CENSUS BUT NOT PLANNED FOR THE AMERICAN 

COMMUNITY SURVEY 

Years of Military Service........................................................................................99

iii 
iv
A. INTRODUCTION 

v
vi
INTRODUCTION 

Submission of Subjects for the 2010 Decennial Census Program 

Section 141 (f) of the Census Act requires that not later than 3 years before the next census, 

the subjects to be included on that census be submitted to Congress. The contents of this 

notebook describe the subjects that will be asked on the 2010 Census and the American 

Community Survey, including proposed new subjects, as well as the subject that will be 

dropped because it is no longer required by federal agencies. 

The Census Act also requires that not later than two years before the Census date, the 

questions to be included in the next census be submitted to Congress. A document that 

meets that requirement for the 2010 Decennial Census will be submitted to Congress by 

March 31, 2008. 

In advance of providing the subjects to be included on the next census to Congress, the U.S. 

Census Bureau asked federal agencies to provide information on their data needs, so that 

only necessary data are collected, as opposed to data that could be acquired by other 

means. The Office of Management and Budget facilitates the process to validate current 

uses of census data, determine unnecessary subjects and questions, and identify new 

subjects for which questions are required. 

2010 Census Plans 

Census 2000 included a short form to collect basic information used for reapportionment and 

redistricting, and a long form sent to approximately 1 in 6 households that was designed to 

collect detailed information used to distribute fiscal resources under a wide array of federal, 

state, local, and tribal programs. The 2010 Census will be a “short form only” census. 

Decoupling the short form and long form allows the Census Bureau to focus efforts on the 

constitutional requirements to produce a count of the resident population, employ technology 

to improve efficiencies, improve accuracy, and reduce costs. Since 2005, the long form data 

have been collected annually on the American Community Survey. This innovation provides 

more current, detailed information than has ever been available before. Responses to the 

American Community Survey, like its predecessor, the decennial census long form, are 

mandatory. 

The 2010 Decennial Census Program is the only data-gathering effort that collects the same 

information from enough people to produce comparable data for every geographic area 

recognized by the Census Bureau. It builds on the successful data collection efforts of past 

censuses. In addition, it moves the nation forward to a new era that will have the advantage 

of more current and timely census data than ever before to measure its performance, 

identify its needs, and chart its course. 

vii 
viii
B. 2010 CENSUS 

1
AGE asked since 1800 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS 

Age is central for any number of federal programs that target funds or services to children, 

working-age adults, women of childbearing age, or the older population. The Department of 

Education uses census age data in its formula for allotment to states. Under the Voting Rights 

Act, the data on population of voting age are required for legislative redistricting. The 

Department of Veterans Affairs uses age to develop its mandated state projections on the need 

for hospitals, nursing homes, cemeteries, domiciliary services, and other benefits for veterans. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

Education Employment 

Counties and school districts are allotted Data about age are used to target 

funds based on age data. These funds veterans for job training programs. 

provide resources and services to 

improve the education of economically 

disadvantaged children and children with Equal employment opportunities are 

disabilities. enforced using data about age. 

Locations where new schools are 

needed, as well as the required grade Social Services 

levels (elementary, middle, or high Age data are used to forecast the number 

school) are identified using data about of people eligible for Social Security and 

age. Medicare benefits. 

Government Under the Older Americans Act, age data 

Data presenting the voting-age are part of the formula used to allocate 

population are used by states to meet funds for services to seniors with low 

legislative redistricting requirements. incomes. 

Planners at all levels of government 

forecast the need for highways, 

hospitals, health services, and retirement 

homes by using age data. 

2
AGE asked since 1800 

SELECTED STATUTORY USES

EDUCATION .......................................................... Individuals With Disabilities Education Act 

[20 U.S.C. 1411(e), Chapter 33, Subchapter II], 

Vocational and Technical Education Assistance to the States 

[20 U.S.C. 2321(a)(2)(A), (B), & (C) and 2372(a)], 

School-to-Work Opportunities Act 

[20 U.S.C. 6145 & 6177, 

Chapter 69, Subchapter II-Part B and Subchapter III] 

EEOC ....................................................................... Age Discrimination and Employment Act 

[29 U.S.C. 623 & 633; 29 CFR 1625.7(c)] 

HHS......................................................................................................... Older Americans Act 

[42 U.S.C. 3002(28)-(30), 3025(a)(1)(E) & (2)(E), and 3026(a)(1)], 

Public Health Service Act 

[42 U.S.C. 254b(b)(3)(A) & (B), 254e(b) & (d) & 254f-1], 

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) 

[42 U.S.C. 8629(a) & (b)(2), and 8622(11)] 

HUD.................................................. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program 

[42 U.S.C. 5302(a)(6)(D)(iv)] 

JUSTICE ................................................... Voting Rights Act-Bilingual Election Requirements 

[42 U.S.C. 1973aa-1a; 28 CFR Part 55], 

Civil Rights Act (Unlawful Employment Practices) 

[42 U.S.C. 2000e-2] 

LABOR............................................................................... Workforce Investment Act of 1998 

[P.L. 105-220, Sec. 182(a)] 

VA ...............................................................................State Projections of Veteran Population 

[38 U.S.C. 8131(1) & 8134(a)(2)], 

Veterans Benefits Improvement Act 

[38 U.S.C. 317 & 318, Chapter 3], 

Disabled Veterans Outreach Program 

[38 U.S.C. 4103A(a)(1), Chapter 41] 

Note: These statutory uses were last confirmed in 2002. Work is underway with other Federal agencies to 

develop a comprehensive list of the most current statutory uses supporting each 2010 Census and American 

Community Survey question. An updated list will be included in the March 2008 submission of Questions 

Planned for the 2010 Census and American Community Survey. 

3
GENDER asked since 1790 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS 

Census data about gender are critical because so many federal programs must differentiate 

between males and females. The Departments of Education and Health and Human Services 

are required by statute to use these data to fund, implement, and evaluate various social and 

welfare programs, such as the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and 

Children (WIC) or the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Laws to 

promote equal employment opportunity for women also require census data on gender. The 

Department of Veterans Affairs must use census data to develop its state projections of 

veterans' facilities and benefits. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

Planning Education 

State and local planners analyze social Data about gender are used to allocate 

and economic characteristics of males funds to institutions of higher learning 

and females to predict future needs for that increase participation, particularly of 

housing, education, childcare, health, minority women, in scientific and 

transportation, and employment. engineering programs under the Higher 

Education Act. 

Employment 

Data about gender are used to evaluate Social Services 

employment practices under the Civil At the state and county levels, data 

Rights Act. about gender are used to allocate funds 

for food, health care services, and 

The Equal Employment Opportunity classes in meal planning to low-income 

Commission, using data about gender, women with children. 

establishes and evaluates guidelines 

dealing with equal employment Housing

opportunity. Data about gender are used to evaluate 

housing policies and practices under the 

Civil Rights Act. 

4
GENDER asked since 1790 

SELECTED STATUTORY USES

EDUCATION ...........................................................................................Higher Education Act 

[20 U.S.C. 1067a(b), 1067k(2), & (5)] 

EEOC ................................................. Federal Affirmative Action Plans [5 U.S.C. 7201(a)(1)], 

Civil Rights Act [42 U.S.C. 2000e-16(b)(1) and 

42 U.S.C. 2000e-2; 29 CFR 1607.4] 

FCC ............................................................................................ Communications Act of 1934 

[47 U.S.C. 151 & 245] 

HHS........................................................................................................ Older Americans Act, 

[42 U.S.C. 3002(28)-(30), 

3025(a)(1)(E) & (2)(E), and 3026(a)(1)] 

Public Health Service Act 

[42 U.S.C. 254b(b)(3)(A) & (B), 254e(b) & (d), & 254f-1], 

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) 

[42 U.S.C. 8629(a) & (b)(2), and 8622(11)] 

HUD........................................................................................National Affordable Housing Act 

[42 U.S.C 12705(b)(1); 24 CFR 91.205(a)] 

JUSTICE .......................................................................................................... Civil Rights Act 

(Prohibition Against Discrimination in Housing, Education, 

Employment, and Federally Assisted Programs) 

[42 U.S.C. 1975c and 42 U.S.C. 2000c-2, d, & e] 

VA ..............................................................................State Projections of Veteran Population 

[38 U.S.C. 8131 (1) & 8134(a)(2)] 

Veterans Benefits Improvement Act 

[38 U.S.C. 317 & 318, Chapter 3] 

Note: These statutory uses were last confirmed in 2002. Work is underway with other Federal agencies to 

develop a comprehensive list of the most current statutory uses supporting each 2010 Census and American 

Community Survey question. An updated list will be included in the March 2008 submission of Questions 

Planned for the 2010 Census and American Community Survey. 

5 
HISPANIC ORIGIN asked since 1970 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS 

Hispanic origin is used in numerous programs and is vital in making policy decisions. These 

data are needed to determine compliance with provisions of antidiscrimination in employment 

and minority recruitment legislation. Under the Voting Rights Act, data about Hispanic origin are 

essential to ensure enforcement of bilingual election rules. Hispanic Origin classifications used 

by the Census Bureau and other federal agencies meet the requirements of standards issued by 

the Office of Management and Budget in 1997 (Revisions to the Standards for the Classification 

of Federal Data on Race and Ethnicity). These standards set forth guidance for statistical 

collection and reporting on race and ethnicity used by all federal agencies. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

Social Services Government 

Under the Public Health Service Act, The Voting Rights Act ensures equality 

Hispanic origin is one of the factors used in voting. Compliance of local 

in identifying segments of the population jurisdictions is monitored using counts 

who may not be getting needed medical of the voting-age population by national 

services. origin. 

Employment 

Data about Hispanic origin are used to 

monitor and enforce equal employment 

opportunities under the Civil Rights Act. 

6
HISPANIC ORIGIN asked since 1970 

SELECTED STATUTORY USES

EEOC .................................................................................... Federal Affirmative Action Plans 

[5 U.S.C. 7201(a)(1)], 

Civil Rights Act 

[42 U.S.C. 2000e-16(b)(1) and 42 U.S.C. 2000e-2; 29 CFR 1607.4] 

FEDERAL RESERVE.................................................Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975 

[12 U.S.C. 2809(a)] 

HHS......................................................................................................... Older Americans Act 

[42 U.S.C. 3002(28)-(30), 3025(a)(1)(E) & (2)(E), and 3026(a)(1), 3027(a)(8)], 

Public Health Service Act 

[42 U.S.C. 254b(b)(3)(A) & (B), 254e(b) & (d), & 254f-1], 

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) 

[42 U.S.C. 8629(a) & (b)(2), and 8622(11)] 

HUD....................................................................................... National Affordable Housing Act 

[42 U.S.C. 12705(b)(1); 24CFR 91.205(a)] 

JUSTICE ................................................... Voting Rights Act-Bilingual Election Requirements 

[42 U.S.C. 1973aa-1a; 28 CFR Part 55], 

Civil Rights Act (Prohibition Against Discrimination in Housing, Education, 

Employment, and Federally Assisted Programs) 

[42 U.S.C. 1975c & U.S.C.2000c-2, d, & e] 

USDA ....................................................................................... Nutrition Education Program 

[7 U.S.C. 3175(c)(2)(B)(ii)] 

VA .................................................................................Veterans Benefits Improvement Act 

[38 U.S.C. 317 & 318, Chapter 3] 

Note: These statutory uses were last confirmed in 2002. Work is underway with other Federal agencies to 

develop a comprehensive list of the most current statutory uses supporting each 2010 Census and American 

Community Survey question. An updated list will be included in the March 2008 submission of Questions 

Planned for the 2010 Census and American Community Survey. 

7
RACE asked since 1790 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS 

Race is key to implementing any number of federal laws and is a critical factor in the basic 

research behind numerous policies. Race data are required by federal programs promoting 

equal employment opportunity and are needed to assess racial disparities in health and access 

to care, among other uses. Racial classifications used by the Census Bureau and other federal 

agencies meet the requirements of standards issued by the Office of Management and Budget 

in 1997 (Revisions to the Standards for the Classification of Federal Data on Race and 

Ethnicity). These standards set forth guidance for statistical collection and reporting on race 

and ethnicity used by all federal agencies. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

Education Social Services 

Under Title 20, race is used as part of For the Public Health Service Act, race 

the formula to fund programs that foster is a key factor in identifying segments of 

equal opportunity through post- the population who may not be receiving 

secondary education for African needed medical services. 

Americans. This is achieved by funding 

programs at historically Black colleges Government 

and universities in professional and States require data about the racial 

academic areas where African make-up of the voting-age population to 

Americans are underrepresented in meet legislative redistricting requiresociety. ments. 

Employment Data about race are needed to monitor 

Race, under the Civil Rights Act, is used compliance with the Voting Rights Act 

to assess fairness of employment by local jurisdictions. 

practices. 

8
RACE asked since 1790 

SELECTED STATUTORY USES

EDUCATION ........................................ Higher Education Resources and Student Assistance 

[20 U.S.C. 1057 et seq., 1062a(4), 1063(c), 

1063b(e)(2)(a), Chapter 28, Subchapter III], 

School-to-Work Opportunities Act 

[20 U.S.C. 6145 & 6177, 

Chapter 69, Subchapter II-Part B and Subchapter III] 

EEOC ................................................. Federal Affirmative Action Plans [5 U.S.C. 7201(a)(1)], 

Civil Rights Act 

[42 U.S.C. 2000e-2 and 

42 U.S.C. 2000e-16(b)(1); 29 CFR 1607.4] 

FEDERAL RESERVE ................................................Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975 

[12 U.S.C. 2809(a)] 

HHS......................................................................................................... Older Americans Act 

[42 U.S.C. 3002(28)-(30), 3025(a)(1)(E) & (2)(E), and 3026(a)(1)], 

Public Health Service Act 

[42 U.S.C. 254b(b)(3)(A) & (B), 254e(b) & (d) & 254f-1], 

Indian Health Care Improvement Act (P.L. 94-437) 

[25 U.S.C. 1621(b)(2), 1621(e)(1) & (2), and 1621o] 

HUD.................................................. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program 

[42 U.S.C. 5306(a)(1); 24 CFR 1003.101], 

National Affordable Housing Act 

[42 U.S.C. 12705 (b)(1); 24 CFR 91.205(a)] 

JUSTICE ................................................... Voting Rights Act-Bilingual Election Requirements 

[42 U.S.C. 1973aa-1a; 28 CFR Part 55], 

Civil Rights Act (Prohibition Against Discrimination in Housing, 

Education, Employment, and Federally Assisted Programs) 

[42 U.S.C. 1975c and 42 U.S.C. 2000c-2, d, & e], 

 Legislative Redistricting [13 U.S.C. 141(c)] 

USDA .......................................................................................... Nutrition Education Program 

[7 U.S.C. 3175(c)(2)(B)(ii)] 

VA ............................................Veterans Benefits Program [38 U.S.C. 317 & 318, Chapter 3] 

Note: These statutory uses were last confirmed in 2002. Work is underway with other Federal agencies to 

develop a comprehensive list of the most current statutory uses supporting each 2010 Census and American 

Community Survey question. An updated list will be included in the March 2008 submission of Questions 

Planned for the 2010 Census and American Community Survey. 

9
RELATIONSHIP asked since 1880 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS 

The census subject about relationship is essential for classifying the population into families and 

other groups. Information about changes in the composition of the American family, from the 

number of people living alone to the number of children living with only one parent, is essential 

for planning and carrying out a number of federal programs. Perhaps the most widely 

recognized use of relationship data is in the poverty definition, which is based on income 

thresholds that vary by size of family and number of children. In federally funded nutrition and 

education programs, how the money is spent hinges, at least partially, on census data about 

relationship. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

Government Education 

The Social Security Administration uses Data about relationship are used to 

data about relationship for handling a allocate funds under Title I to states and 

number of planning issues under the Old counties to improve the education of 

Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance children in low-income families. 

and the Supplemental Security Income 

Programs. Social Services 

Local health agencies plan and 

Housing administer programs promoting the wellData about families in poverty are used being of families and children using 

to distribute funds for housing to local information on relationship. 

governments. 

10
RELATIONSHIP asked since 1880 

SELECTED STATUTORY USES

HHS...................................................................................................................Head Start Act 

[42 U.S.C. 9835(a)], 

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) 

[42 U.S.C. 8622 & 8623], 

Older Americans Act 

[42 U.S.C. 3002, 3026(a)(1)] 

HUD.........................................................................National Affordable Housing Act of 1990 / 

HOME Investment Partnerships Program 

[42 U.S.C. 12747] 

Note: These statutory uses were last confirmed in 2002. Work is underway with other Federal agencies to 

develop a comprehensive list of the most current statutory uses supporting each 2010 Census and American 

Community Survey question. An updated list will be included in the March 2008 submission of Questions 

Planned for the 2010 Census and American Community Survey. 

11 
TENURE asked since 1890 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS 

Tenure (whether a home is owned or rented) is the most basic feature of the housing inventory. 

Homeownership rates have served as an indicator of the nation's economy for decades. The 

data are an integral component of the formula used by the Department of Housing and Urban 

Development to establish Fair Market Rents and also are essential for the Federal Housing 

Authority's mortgage insurance program. The Department of Health and Human Services is 

required to profile the housing tenure of Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program 

(LIHEAP) households. The Bureau of Economic Analysis uses this information along with other 

census data to prepare the value of housing services for the National Income and Product 

Accounts. This information is used to assess the costs of utilities based on the type of home 

ownership. Tenure also is used in calculating homeownership vacancy rates and rental vacancy 

rates that federal and local agencies use to evaluate the overall viability of local housing 

markets. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

Planning Banking 

Local planners use data on tenure to Data on tenure are used to distribute 

assess neighborhood stability. funds for mortgage insurance, for rental 

Generally, higher owner-occupancy housing in urban renewal areas, and for 

rates are considered to be a good national defense housing. 

indicator of neighborhood stability since 

owners have considerable long-term The Federal Reserve Board uses the 

investments in their homes. data to determine whether financial 

institutions are meeting the credit needs 

Housing of race and Hispanic origin groups in 

Tenure is one of the integral components low and moderate-income neighborused by the Department of Housing and hoods. 

Urban Development to establish Fair 

Market Rents for different localities Transportation 

throughout the country. This information The Federal Highway Administration 

is used to allocate Section 8 and other allocates funds for public transportation 

federal housing program subsidies that services for elderly and handicapped 

assist American families to afford people based in part on proportions of 

decent, safe, and sanitary housing. homes rented, since renters are more 

likely to use public transportation. 

12
TENURE asked since 1890 

SELECTED STATUTORY USES

COMMERCE ............................. Statistical Information for the Transaction of Public Business 

[15 U.S.C. 1516] 

HHS...............................................Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) 

[42 U.S.C. 8624(b)(8)], 

Community Services Block Grant Act 

[42 U.S.C. 9902(2)] 

HUD.............................................................................................National Affordable Housing 

[42 U.S.C. 12705], 

Low Income Housing 

[42 U.S.C. 1437f(c)(i)], 

Fair Market Rents 

[42 U.S.C. 1437], 

Allocation of Housing Funds 

[42 U.S.C. 1439(d)(1)(a)(i)] 

Note: These statutory uses were last confirmed in 2002. Work is underway with other Federal agencies to 

develop a comprehensive list of the most current statutory uses supporting each 2010 Census and American 

Community Survey question. An updated list will be included in the March 2008 submission of Questions 

Planned for the 2010 Census and American Community Survey. 

13
NOTES 

14
C. AMERICAN 

COMMUNITY 

SURVEY 

15
AGE asked since 1800 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS 

Age is central for any number of federal programs that target funds or services to children, 

working-age adults, women of childbearing age, or the older population. The Department of 

Education uses census age data in its formula for allotment to states. Under the Voting Rights 

Act, the data on population of voting age are required for legislative redistricting. The 

Department of Veterans Affairs uses age to develop its mandated state projections on the need 

for hospitals, nursing homes, cemeteries, domiciliary services, and other benefits for veterans. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

Education Employment 

Counties and school districts are allotted Data about age are used to target 

funds based on age data. These funds veterans for job training programs. 

provide resources and services to 

improve the education of economically Equal employment opportunities are 

disadvantaged children and children with enforced using data about age. 

disabilities. 

Locations where new schools are Social Services

needed, as well as the required grade Age data are used to forecast the number 

levels (elementary, middle, or high of people eligible for Social Security and 

school) are identified using data about Medicare benefits. 

age. 

Under the Older Americans Act, age data 

Government are part of the formula used to allocate 

Data presenting the voting-age funds for services to seniors with low 

population are used by states to meet incomes. 

legislative redistricting requirements. 

Planners at all levels of government 

forecast the need for highways, 

hospitals, health services, and retirement 

homes by using age data. 

16
AGE asked since 1800 

SELECTED STATUTORY USES

EDUCATION .......................................................... Individuals With Disabilities Education Act 

[20 U.S.C. 1411(e), Chapter 33, Subchapter II], 

Vocational and Technical Education Assistance to the States 

[20 U.S.C. 2321(a)(2)(A), (B), & (C) and 2372(a)], 

School-to-Work Opportunities Act 

[20 U.S.C. 6145 & 6177, 

Chapter 69, Subchapter II-Part B and Subchapter III] 

EEOC ....................................................................... Age Discrimination and Employment Act 

[29 U.S.C. 623 & 633; 29 CFR 1625.7(c)] 

HHS......................................................................................................... Older Americans Act 

[42 U.S.C. 3002(28)-(30), 3025(a)(1)(E) & (2)(E), and 3026(a)(1)], 

Public Health Service Act 

[42 U.S.C. 254b(b)(3)(A) & (B), 254e(b) & (d) & 254f-1], 

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) 

[42 U.S.C. 8629(a) & (b)(2), and 8622(11)] 

HUD.................................................. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program 

[42 U.S.C. 5302(a)(6)(D)(iv)] 

JUSTICE ................................................... Voting Rights Act-Bilingual Election Requirements 

[42 U.S.C. 1973aa-1a; 28 CFR Part 55], 

Civil Rights Act (Unlawful Employment Practices) 

[42 U.S.C. 2000e-2] 

LABOR............................................................................... Workforce Investment Act of 1998 

[P.L. 105-220, Sec. 182(a)] 

VA ...............................................................................State Projections of Veteran Population 

[38 U.S.C. 8131(1) & 8134(a)(2)], 

Veterans Benefits Improvement Act 

[38 U.S.C. 317 & 318, Chapter 3], 

Disabled Veterans Outreach Program 

[38 U.S.C. 4103A(a)(1), Chapter 41] 

Note: These statutory uses were last confirmed in 2002. Work is underway with other Federal agencies to 

develop a comprehensive list of the most current statutory uses supporting each 2010 Census and American 

Community Survey question. An updated list will be included in the March 2008 submission of Questions 

Planned for the 2010 Census and American Community Survey. 

17
GENDER asked since 1790 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS 

Census data about gender are critical because so many federal programs must differentiate 

between males and females. The Departments of Education and Health and Human Services 

are required by statute to use these data to fund, implement, and evaluate various social and 

welfare programs, such as the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and 

Children (WIC) or the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Laws to 

promote equal employment opportunity for women also require census data on gender. The 

Department of Veterans Affairs must use census data to develop its state projections of 

veterans' facilities and benefits. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

Planning Education 

State and local planners analyze social Data about gender are used to allocate 

and economic characteristics of males funds to institutions of higher learning 

and females to predict future needs for that increase participation, particularly of 

housing, education, childcare, health, minority women, in scientific and 

transportation, and employment. engineering programs under the Higher 

Education Act. 

Employment 

Data about gender are used to evaluate Social Services 

employment practices under the Civil At the state and county levels, data 

Rights Act. about gender are used to allocate funds 

for food, health care services, and 

The Equal Employment Opportunity classes in meal planning to low-income 

Commission, using data about gender, women with children. 

establishes and evaluates guidelines 

dealing with equal employment Housing

opportunity. Data about gender are used to evaluate 

housing policies and practices under the 

Civil Rights Act. 

18
GENDER asked since 1790 

SELECTED STATUTORY USES

EDUCATION ...........................................................................................Higher Education Act 

[20 U.S.C. 1067a(b), 1067k(2), & (5)] 

EEOC ................................................. Federal Affirmative Action Plans [5 U.S.C. 7201(a)(1)], 

Civil Rights Act [42 U.S.C. 2000e-16(b)(1) and 

42 U.S.C. 2000e-2; 29 CFR 1607.4] 

FCC ............................................................................................ Communications Act of 1934 

[47 U.S.C. 151 & 245] 

HHS........................................................................................................ Older Americans Act, 

[42 U.S.C. 3002(28)-(30), 

3025(a)(1)(E) & (2)(E), and 3026(a)(1)] 

Public Health Service Act 

[42 U.S.C. 254b(b)(3)(A) & (B), 254e(b) & (d), & 254f-1], 

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) 

[42 U.S.C. 8629(a) & (b)(2), and 8622(11)] 

HUD........................................................................................National Affordable Housing Act 

[42 U.S.C 12705(b)(1); 24 CFR 91.205(a)] 

JUSTICE .......................................................................................................... Civil Rights Act 

(Prohibition Against Discrimination in Housing, Education, 

Employment, and Federally Assisted Programs) 

[42 U.S.C. 1975c and 42 U.S.C. 2000c-2, d, & e] 

VA ..............................................................................State Projections of Veteran Population 

[38 U.S.C. 8131 (1) & 8134(a)(2)] 

Veterans Benefits Improvement Act 

[38 U.S.C. 317 & 318, Chapter 3] 

Note: These statutory uses were last confirmed in 2002. Work is underway with other Federal agencies to 

develop a comprehensive list of the most current statutory uses supporting each 2010 Census and American 

Community Survey question. An updated list will be included in the March 2008 submission of Questions 

Planned for the 2010 Census and American Community Survey. 

19
HISPANIC ORIGIN asked since 1970 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS 

Hispanic origin is used in numerous programs and is vital in making policy decisions. These 

data are needed to determine compliance with provisions of antidiscrimination in employment 

and minority recruitment legislation. Under the Voting Rights Act, data about Hispanic origin are 

essential to ensure enforcement of bilingual election rules. Hispanic Origin classifications used 

by the Census Bureau and other federal agencies meet the requirements of standards issued by 

the Office of Management and Budget in 1997 (Revisions to the Standards for the Classification 

of Federal Data on Race and Ethnicity). These standards set forth guidance for statistical 

collection and reporting on race and ethnicity used by all federal agencies. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

Social Services Government 

Under the Public Health Service Act, The Voting Rights Act ensures equality 

Hispanic origin is one of the factors used in voting. Compliance of local 

in identifying segments of the population jurisdictions is monitored using counts 

who may not be getting needed medical of the voting-age population by national 

services. origin. 

Employment 

Data about Hispanic origin are used to 

monitor and enforce equal employment 

opportunities under the Civil Rights Act. 

20
HISPANIC ORIGIN asked since 1970 

SELECTED STATUTORY USES

EEOC .................................................................................... Federal Affirmative Action Plans 

[5 U.S.C. 7201(a)(1)], 

Civil Rights Act 

[42 U.S.C. 2000e-16(b)(1) and 42 U.S.C. 2000e-2; 29CFR1607.4] 

FEDERAL RESERVE.................................................Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975 

[12 U.S.C. 2809(a)] 

HHS......................................................................................................... Older Americans Act 

[42 U.S.C. 3002(28)-(30), 3025(a)(1)(E) & (2)(E), and 3026(a)(1), 3027(a)(8)], 

Public Health Service Act 

[42 U.S.C. 254b(b)(3)(A) & (B), 254e(b) & (d), & 254f-1] 

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) 

[42 U.S.C. 8629(a) & (b)(2), and 8622(11)] 

HUD....................................................................................... National Affordable Housing Act 

[42 U.S.C. 12705(b)(1); 24CFR 91.205(a)] 

JUSTICE ................................................... Voting Rights Act-Bilingual Election Requirements 

[42 U.S.C. 1973aa-1a; 28 CFR Part 55], 

Civil Rights Act (Prohibition Against Discrimination in Housing, Education, 

Employment, and Federally Assisted Programs) 

[42 U.S.C. 1975c & U.S.C.2000c-2, d, & e] 

USDA ...................................................................................... Nutrition Education Program 

[7 U.S.C. 3175(c)(2)(B)(ii)] 

VA .................................................................................Veterans Benefits Improvement Act 

[38 U.S.C. 317 & 318, Chapter 3] 

Note: These statutory uses were last confirmed in 2002. Work is underway with other Federal agencies to 

develop a comprehensive list of the most current statutory uses supporting each 2010 Census and American 

Community Survey question. An updated list will be included in the March 2008 submission of Questions 

Planned for the 2010 Census and American Community Survey. 

21 
RACE asked since 1790 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS 

Race is key to implementing any number of federal laws and is a critical factor in the basic 

research behind numerous policies. Race data are required by federal programs promoting 

equal employment opportunity and are needed to assess racial disparities in health and access 

to care, among other uses. Racial classifications used by the Census Bureau and other federal 

agencies meet the requirements of standards issued by the Office of Management and Budget 

in 1997 (Revisions to the Standards for the Classification of Federal Data on Race and 

Ethnicity). These standards set forth guidance for statistical collection and reporting on race 

and ethnicity used by all federal agencies. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

Education Social Services 

Under Title 20, race is used as part of For the Public Health Service Act, race 

the formula to fund programs that foster is a key factor in identifying segments of 

equal opportunity through post- the population who may not be receiving 

secondary education for African needed medical services. 

Americans. This is achieved by funding 

programs at historically Black colleges Government 

and universities in professional and States require data about the racial 

academic areas where African make-up of the voting-age population to 

Americans are underrepresented in meet legislative redistricting requiresociety. ments. 

Employment Data about race are needed to monitor 

Race, under the Civil Rights Act, is used compliance with the Voting Rights Act 

to assess fairness of employment by local jurisdictions. 

practices. 

22
RACE asked since 1790 

SELECTED STATUTORY USES 

EDUCATION ........................................ Higher Education Resources and Student Assistance 

[20 U.S.C. 1057 et seq., 1062a(4), 1063(c), 

1063b(e)(2)(a), Chapter 28, Subchapter III], 

School-to-Work Opportunities Act 

[20 U.S.C. 6145 & 6177, 

Chapter 69, Subchapter II-Part B and Subchapter III] 

EEOC ................................................. Federal Affirmative Action Plans [5 U.S.C. 7201(a)(1)], 

Civil Rights Act 

[42 U.S.C. 2000e-2 and 

42 U.S.C. 2000e-16(b)(1); 29 CFR 1607.4] 

FEDERAL RESERVE ................................................Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975 

[12 U.S.C. 2809(a)] 

HHS......................................................................................................... Older Americans Act 

[42 U.S.C. 3002(28)-(30), 3025(a)(1)(E) & (2)(E), and 3026(a)(1)], 

Public Health Service Act 

[42 U.S.C. 254b(b)(3)(A) & (B), 254e(b) & (d) & 254f-1], 

Indian Health Care Improvement Act (P.L. 94-437) 

[25 U.S.C. 1621(b)(2), 1621(e)(1) & (2), and 1621o] 

HUD.................................................. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program 

[42 U.S.C. 5306(a)(1); 24 CFR 1003.101], 

National Affordable Housing Act 

[42 U.S.C. 12705 (b)(1); 24 CFR 91.205(a)] 

JUSTICE ................................................... Voting Rights Act-Bilingual Election Requirements 

[42 U.S.C. 1973aa-1a; 28 CFR Part 55], 

Civil Rights Act (Prohibition Against Discrimination in Housing, 

Education, Employment, and Federally Assisted Programs) 

[42 U.S.C. 1975c and 42 U.S.C. 2000c-2, d, & e], 

 Legislative Redistricting [13 U.S.C. 141(c)] 

USDA .......................................................................................... Nutrition Education Program 

[7 U.S.C. 3175(c)(2)(B)(ii)] 

VA ............................................Veterans Benefits Program [38 U.S.C. 317 & 318, Chapter 3] 

Note: These statutory uses were last confirmed in 2002. Work is underway with other Federal agencies to 

develop a comprehensive list of the most current statutory uses supporting each 2010 Census and American 

Community Survey question. An updated list will be included in the March 2008 submission of Questions 

Planned for the 2010 Census and American Community Survey. 

23
RELATIONSHIP asked since 1880 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS 

The census subject about relationship is essential for classifying the population into families and 

other groups. Information about changes in the composition of the American family, from the 

number of people living alone to the number of children living with only one parent, is essential 

for planning and carrying out a number of federal programs. Perhaps the most widely 

recognized use of relationship data is in the poverty definition, which is based on income 

thresholds that vary by size of family and number of children. In federally funded nutrition and 

education programs, how the money is spent hinges, at least partially, on census data about 

relationship. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

Government Education 

The Social Security Administration uses Data about relationships are used to 

data about relationship for handling a allocate funds under Title I to states and 

number of planning issues under the Old counties to improve the education of 

Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance children in low-income families. 

and the Supplemental Security Income 

Programs. Social Services 

Local health agencies plan and 

Housing administer programs promoting the wellData about families in poverty are used being of families and children using 

to distribute funds for housing to local information on relationship. 

governments. 

24
RELATIONSHIP asked since 1880 

SELECTED STATUTORY USES

HHS...................................................................................................................Head Start Act 

[42 U.S.C. 9835(a)], 

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) 

[42 U.S.C. 8622 & 8623], 

Older Americans Act 

[42 U.S.C. 3002, 3026(a)(1)] 

HUD.........................................................................National Affordable Housing Act of 1990 / 

HOME Investment Partnerships Program 

[42 U.S.C. 12747] 

Note: These statutory uses were last confirmed in 2002. Work is underway with other Federal agencies to 

develop a comprehensive list of the most current statutory uses supporting each 2010 Census and American 

Community Survey question. An updated list will be included in the March 2008 submission of Questions 

Planned for the 2010 Census and American Community Survey. 

25 
MARITAL STATUS asked since 1880 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS 

Planning and implementing many government programs calls for accurate information on marital 

status, such as the number of married women in the labor force, elderly widowed individuals, or 

young single people who soon may establish homes of their own. For the Department of 

Housing and Urban Development, data about marital status help define qualifying census tracts 

for the Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and the Mortgage Revenue Bonds Programs. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

Social Services Housing 

Data about marital status are used for Local governments use data about 

budget and resource planning to identify marital status in assessing needs for 

the number of children needing special housing and other community develservices (e.g., children in single-parent opment services. 

households). 

Employment 

Communities use census data about Community organizations use data 

marital status to pinpoint areas with large about marital status to identify needs for 

numbers of single-parent families and job training and housing for displaced 

identify needs for childcare, medical homemakers. 

care, and other social services. 

26
MARITAL STATUS asked since 1880 

SELECTED STATUTORY USES

HHS........................................................... Older Americans Act [42 U.S.C. 3002, 3026(a)(1), 

Voluntary Family Planning Programs [42 U.S.C. 300a-2] 

Note: These statutory uses were last confirmed in 2002. Work is underway with other Federal agencies to 

develop a comprehensive list of the most current statutory uses supporting each 2010 Census and American 

Community Survey question. An updated list will be included in the March 2008 submission of Questions 

Planned for the 2010 Census and American Community Survey. 

27
FERTILITY asked 1900-1910, 1940-1990; asked in the ACS since 1996 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS 

The number of children born in the past 12 months is a measure of fertility that is used to project 

the future size of the population, a basic planning tool for agencies of the government. The 

Department of Health and Human Services uses these data to carry out various programs 

required by statute, including determining the need for family planning services within the Indian 

Health Service, investigating matters on child welfare in the Children's Bureau, and conducting 

research for voluntary family planning programs. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

Social Services 

Data about fertility are used to predict Information about children born in the 

the number of children who will need past 12 months is used in research on 

adoptive homes under the Child Welfare the family size of female adolescents 

Act. and their actual birth rates in later life. 

The Indian Health Service (HHS) uses The National Center for Health Statistics 

data about the number of babies born to (HHS) computes vital statistics for 

determine the need for family planning subnational areas using data about 

services for its service-eligible pop- children born in the past 12 months. 

ulation. 

28
FERTILITY asked 1900-1910, 1940-1990; asked in the ACS since 1996 

SELECTED STATUTORY USES 

HHS...............................................................................................................Child Welfare Act 

[42 U.S.C. 192], 

Voluntary Family Planning Programs 

[42 U.S.C.300a-2], 

Adolescent Family Life Projects 

[42 U.S.C. 300z(1-6)] 

Note: These statutory uses were last confirmed in 2002. Work is underway with other Federal agencies to 

develop a comprehensive list of the most current statutory uses supporting each 2010 Census and American 

Community Survey question. An updated list will be included in the March 2008 submission of Questions 

Planned for the 2010 Census and American Community Survey. 

29
GRANDPARENTS AS CAREGIVERS asked since 2000 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

This subject was added in 2000 to comply with legislation passed in the 104th Congress 

requiring that the decennial census obtain information about grandparents who have primary 

responsibility for the care of their grandchildren. The Department of Health and Human 

Services (HHS) uses these data to distinguish households in which a grandparent has primary 

responsibility for a child or children and also uses these data as one of the measures that will be 

used for the High Performance Bonus awards program under the Temporary Assistance to 

Needy Families Program. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

BUSINESS GOVERNMENT 

Daycare centers and other businesses State and local governments, faithuse these data to develop new products based and other nonprofit organizations, 

and services for their communities. and businesses use these data to plan, 

budget, and pay benefits. 

30
GRANDPARENTS AS CAREGIVERS asked since 2000 

SELECTED STATUTORY USES 

HHS...........................................................................................................Social Security Act 

Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity 

Reconciliation Act of 1996 (Welfare Reform 1996) 

American Dream Down Payment Act 

Living Equitably: Grandparents Aiding Children and Youth Act 

Note: These statutory uses were last confirmed in 2002. Work is underway with other Federal agencies to 

develop a comprehensive list of the most current statutory uses supporting each 2010 Census and American 

Community Survey question. An updated list will be included in the March 2008 submission of Questions 

Planned for the 2010 Census and American Community Survey. 

31
ANCESTRY asked since 1980 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS 

Ancestry identifies the ethnic origins of the population, and federal agencies regard this 

information as essential for fulfilling many important needs. Ancestry is required to enforce 

provisions under the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based upon race, sex, 

religion, and national origin. More generally, these data are needed to measure the social and 

economic characteristics of ethnic groups and to tailor services to accommodate cultural 

differences. The Department of Labor draws samples for surveys that provide employment 

statistics and other related information for ethnic groups using ancestry. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

Social Services Employment 

Data about ancestry assist states and Data about ancestry are used to 

local agencies on aging to develop evaluate the effectiveness of equal 

health care and other services tailored employment opportunity policies and 

to meet the language and cultural programs for different ethnic groups 

diversity of the elderly in these groups. under the Civil Rights Act. 

Under the Public Health Service Act, 

ancestry is one of the factors used in 

identifying segments of the population 

who may not be receiving needed 

medical services. 

32
ANCESTRY asked since 1980 

SELECTED STATUTORY USES

HHS......................................................................................................... Older Americans Act 

[42 U.S.C. 3002 (27)-(30), 3026(a)(1)] 

JUSTICE .......................................................................................................... Civil Rights Act 

[42 U.S.C. 2000e et seq.] 

Note: These statutory uses were last confirmed in 2002. Work is underway with other Federal agencies to 

develop a comprehensive list of the most current statutory uses supporting each 2010 Census and American 

Community Survey question. An updated list will be included in the March 2008 submission of Questions 

Planned for the 2010 Census and American Community Survey. 

33
PLACE OF BIRTH asked since 1850 

CITIZENSHIP asked 1820-1830, 1870, 1890-2000 

YEAR OF ENTRY asked 1890-1930, 1970-2000 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS 

These decennial census subjects provide essential data for setting and evaluating immigration 

policies and laws. Knowing the characteristics of immigrants helps legislators and others 

understand how different immigrant groups are assimilated. Federal agencies require these 

data to develop programs for refugees and other foreign born. Vital information on lifetime 

migration among states also comes from the place of birth question. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

Education Government 

Data are used to allocate funds to public The Department of Homeland Security 

and private nonprofit organizations to uses citizenship data to project staffing 

provide employment resources aimed at and other resource needs for nonmaking the foreign born economically citizens to complete the naturalization 

self-sufficient. process. 

Under the Voting Rights Act, these data 

Social Services are required to evaluate voting practices 

These data are used, in conjunction with of governmental subdivisions (e.g., 

the Older Americans Act, to assist states states, counties, and school districts). 

and local agencies with developing 

health care and other services tailored to Employment 

the language and cultural diversity of the Data about place of birth and citizenship 

foreign-born elderly. are used to evaluate the effectiveness 

of equal employment opportunity 

policies and programs under the Civil 

Rights Act. 

34
PLACE OF BIRTH asked since 1850 

CITIZENSHIP asked 1820-1830, 1870, 1890-2000 

YEAR OF ENTRY asked 1890-1930, 1970-2000 

SELECTED STATUTORY USES

HHS.................................................................................................. Public Health Service Act 

[42 U.S.C. 254b(b)(3)(A) & (B)] 

JUSTICE ................................................... Voting Rights Act-Bilingual Election Requirements 

[42 U.S.C. 1973aa-1a] 

Note: These statutory uses were last confirmed in 2002. Work is underway with other Federal agencies to 

develop a comprehensive list of the most current statutory uses supporting each 2010 Census and American 

Community Survey question. An updated list will be included in the March 2008 submission of Questions 

Planned for the 2010 Census and American Community Survey. 

35
LANGUAGE SPOKEN AT HOME asked 1890-1940, 1960-2000 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS 

Government agencies use information on language spoken at home for their programs that 

serve the needs of the foreign born and specifically those who have difficulty with English. 

Under the Voting Rights Act, language is needed to meet statutory requirements for making 

voting materials available in minority languages. Specifically, the Census Bureau is directed, 

using data about language spoken at home and the ability to speak English, to identify minority 

groups that speak a language other than English and to assess their English-speaking ability. 

The Department of Education uses these data to prepare a report to Congress on the social and 

economic status of children served by different local school districts. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

Education Social Services 

Data on language are used to allocate State and local agencies concerned with 

grants to school districts for children with aging develop health care and other 

limited English language proficiency. services tailored to the language and 

cultural diversity of the elderly under the 

Older Americans Act. 

State and local educational agencies 

receive grants under the Adult Education Government 

Act for programs to improve educational Under the Voting Rights Act, these data 

skills, complete secondary schooling, are needed to assess the fairness of 

and provide job training and placement voting practices in governmental 

for adults based on data about language. subdivisions. 

Employment 

The Equal Employment Opportunity 

Commission, using data about language 

and ability to speak English, evaluates 

employment practices in private industry. 

36
LANGUAGE SPOKEN AT HOME asked 1890-1940, 1960-2000 

SELECTED STATUTORY USES

HHS......................................................................................................... Older Americans Act 

[42 U.S.C. 3002(27)-(30), 3026(a)(1)], 

Public Health Service Act 

[42 U.S.C. 254b(b)(3)(A) & (B), 254e(b) & (d) & 254f-1] 

JUSTICE ................................................... Voting Rights Act-Bilingual Election Requirements 

[42 U.S.C. 1973aa-1a], 

Equal Employment Opportunity Act 

[42 U.S.C. 2000e] 

Note: These statutory uses were last confirmed in 2002. Work is underway with other Federal agencies to 

develop a comprehensive list of the most current statutory uses supporting each 2010 Census and American 

Community Survey question. An updated list will be included in the March 2008 submission of Questions 

Planned for the 2010 Census and American Community Survey. 

37 
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT asked since 1940 

SCHOOL ENROLLMENT asked since 1850 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS 

Law requires educational attainment and school enrollment data to be used for profiling the 

socioeconomic condition of school-age children. Government agencies also require these data 

for funding allocations and program planning and implementation. The data are needed to 

determine the extent of illiteracy rates of citizens in language minorities in order to meet 

statutory requirements under the Voting Rights Act. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

Education Government 

Based on data about educational The Department of Justice uses school 

attainment, school districts are allocated enrollment data in the enforcement work 

funds to provide classes in basic skills to against discrimination in education. 

adults who have not completed high 

school. Employment 

Employers use information about the 

The Department of Education uses educational attainment levels of the labor 

school enrollment data to develop adult force to locate new jobs and stimulate 

education and literacy programs based economic growth. 

on the number of individuals with 

limited English proficiency. 

38
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT asked since 1940 

SCHOOL ENROLLMENT asked since 1850 

SELECTED STATUTORY USES

HHS......................................................................................................... Older Americans Act 

[42 U.S.C. 3002(28), 3026(a)(1), 3027(a)(8)], 

Health Professions Reporting System [42 U.S.C. 292h] 

JUSTICE ................................................... Voting Rights Act-Bilingual Election Requirements 

[42 U.S.C. 1973aa-1a] 

Note: These statutory uses were last confirmed in 2002. Work is underway with other Federal agencies to 

develop a comprehensive list of the most current statutory uses supporting each 2010 Census and American 

Community Survey question. An updated list will be included in the March 2008 submission of Questions 

Planned for the 2010 Census and American Community Survey. 

39
RESIDENCE 1 YEAR AGO asked in the ACS since 1999 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

Residence 1 year ago is used to assess the residential stability and the effects of migration in 

both urban and rural areas. This item provides information on the mobility of each individual. 

Knowing the number and characteristics of movers is essential for federal programs dealing with 

employment, housing, education, and the elderly. The Department of Veterans Affairs develops 

its mandated projections of the need for hospitals and other veteran benefits for each state with 

migration data about veterans. The Census Bureau develops state age and sex estimates and 

small-area population projections based on data about residence 1 year ago. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

Social Services Government 

State and local agencies concerned with Planners and policy makers use data 

aging develop health care and other about in-migration and out-migration to 

services for the elderly using information estimate state and county population 

on where people lived one year ago. growth. 

These data indicate changes in the 

location of seniors that may affect the Research, based on data about migration, 

need for future services in specific areas. shows changes in the socioeconomic 

profiles of areas. The data are used by 

Local governments use data about many government agencies for program 

migration to forecast the demand for new planning, especially for rural parts of the 

public facilities such as schools, country. 

hospitals, libraries, and fire and police 

stations. 

40
RESIDENCE 1 YEAR AGO asked in the ACS since 1999

 SELECTED STATUTORY USES

HHS......................................................................................................... Older Americans Act 

[42 U.S.C. 3002(27)-(30), 3026(a)(1), 3027(a)(8)] 

VA .............................................................................State Projections of Veteran Population/ 

State Home Facilities for Finishing Domiciliary 

[38 U.S.C. 8131(1)] 

Note: These statutory uses were last confirmed in 2002. Work is underway with other Federal agencies to 

develop a comprehensive list of the most current statutory uses supporting each 2010 Census and American 

Community Survey question. An updated list will be included in the March 2008 submission of Questions 

Planned for the 2010 Census and American Community Survey. 

41
VETERAN STATUS AND 

PERIOD OF MILITARY SERVICE asked 1840, 1890, 1910, 1930-2000 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS 

Veteran status, including period of military service, is used primarily by the Department of 

Veterans Affairs to measure the needs of veterans and to evaluate the impact of veterans' 

programs dealing with education, employment, and health care. These data are needed to 

conduct policy analysis, program planning, and budgeting for federal veterans' programs and for 

reports to Congress on state projections of veterans' facilities and services. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

Social Services 

At state and county levels, veteran For the Public Health Service Act, 

status is used for budgeting and veteran status is used as one factor to 

program planning for medical services determine the segments of the 

and nursing home care for veterans. population who may not be receiving 

needed medical services. 

The Department of Veterans Affairs 

needs data about veteran status in 

planning the locations and sizes of Employment 

veterans’ cemeteries. Data about veteran status are used to 

allocate funds to states and local areas 

Based on data about veterans, local for employment and job training 

agencies develop health care and other programs for veterans. 

services for elderly veterans under the 

Older Americans Act. 

42
VETERAN STATUS AND 

PERIOD OF MILITARY SERVICE asked 1840, 1890, 1910, 1930-2000 

SELECTED STATUTORY USES

HHS.................................................................................................. Public Health Service Act 

[42 U.S.C. 290aa] 

VA ................................................................. State Home Facilities for Furnishing Domiciliary 

Nursing Home and Hospital Care 

[38 U.S.C. 8131(1)], 

Disabled Veterans Outreach Program 

[38 U.S.C. 4103A(a)(1], 

Rehabilitation Services: Evaluation and Data Collection 

[38 U.S.C. 527], 

State Estimates of Nursing Home Care Needs for Veterans 

[38 U.S.C. 8134(a)(1)], 

Veterans Benefits Improvement Act 

[38 U.S.C. 317 and 318] 

Note: These statutory uses were last confirmed in 2002. Work is underway with other Federal agencies to 

develop a comprehensive list of the most current statutory uses supporting each 2010 Census and American 

Community Survey question. An updated list will be included in the March 2008 submission of Questions 

Planned for the 2010 Census and American Community Survey. 

43
DISABILITY asked 1830 -1930, 1970 -2000 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS 

Information on disability is used by a number of federal agencies to distribute funds and develop 

programs for people with disabilities and the elderly. For example, data about the size, 

distribution, and needs of the disabled population are essential under the Rehabilitation Act, 

which guarantees to qualified people with disabilities full participation and benefits in all 

programs that receive federal funding. For the Americans with Disabilities Act, data about 

functional limitations are important to ensure that comparable public transportation services are 

available for all segments of the population. Federal grants are awarded, under the Older 

Americans Act, based on the number of elderly people with physical and mental disabilities. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

Transportation Employment 

Disability data are used to allocate funds Data about people with disabilities are 

for mass transit systems to provide used to allocate funds to states and 

handicapped facilities. local areas for employment and job 

training programs for veterans. 

Under the Americans with Disabilities 

Act, local transit authorities use the Social Services 

number of individuals with functional Under the Older Americans Act, these 

limitations in order to ensure public data assist state and local agencies 

transportation services are comparable concerned with aging to develop health 

to those for individuals without care and other services tailored to the 

disabilities. disabilities of the elderly. 

Housing Disability data are used by state and 

The Housing and Urban Development county agencies to plan for eligible 

Act requires data about disability to recipients under the Medicare and 

distribute funds for housing for people Medicaid Programs. 

with disabilities. 

44
DISABILITY asked 1830-1930, 1970-2000 

SELECTED STATUTORY USES 

HHS......................................................................................................... Older Americans Act 

[42 U.S.C. 3002 (27)-(30), 3026(a)(1), 3027(a)(8)], 

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) 

[42 U.S.C. 8629(a)] 

VA ................................................................................ Disabled Veterans Outreach Program 

[38 U.S.C. 4103A(a)(1)] 

Note: These statutory uses were last confirmed in 2002. Work is underway with other Federal agencies to 

develop a comprehensive list of the most current statutory uses supporting each 2010 Census and American 

Community Survey question. An updated list will be included in the March 2008 submission of Questions 

Planned for the 2010 Census and American Community Survey. 

45
INCOME asked since 1940 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS 

Income is a critical decennial census subject, as it is a vital measure of general economic 

circumstances. Income data are used to determine poverty status, to measure economic wellbeing, and to assess the need for assistance. These data are included in federal allocation 

formulas for many government programs. These federal programs, such as the Special 

Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), use income data from the 

decennial census. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

Social Services Housing 

Under the Older Americans Act, funds Under the Low-Income Home Energy 

for food, health care, and legal services Assistance Program, income data are 

are distributed to local agencies based used to allocate funds to areas for home 

on data about elderly people with low energy aid. 

incomes. 

Under the Community Development 

Data about income at the state and Block Grant Program, funding for 

county levels are used to allocate funds housing assistance and other 

for food, health care, and classes in community development is based on 

meal planning to low-income women income and other decennial census 

with children. data. 

Employment Education 

Income data are used to identify local Data about poor children are used to 

areas eligible for grants to stimulate apportion funds to counties and school 

economic recovery, run job-training districts. These funds provide resources 

programs, and define areas such as and services to improve the education 

empowerment or enterprise zones. of economically disadvantaged children. 

46
INCOME asked since 1940 

SELECTED STATUTORY USES

FEDERAL RESERVE ............... Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975 [12 U.S.C. 2809(a)], 

Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 [12 U.S.C. 2901] 

HHS........................................................... Older Americans Act [42 U.S.C. 3002, 3026(a)(1], 

Community Services Block Grant Act [42 U.S.C. 9902(2), Section 673(2)], 

9903 & 9910a, Sections 674 & 681A], 

 Head Start Act [42 U.S.C. 9835, Section 640(a)(4)(B)], 

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) 

[42 U.S.C. 8622, & 8629], 

Child Welfare Act [42 U.S.C. 621(c)], 

Public Health Service Act 

[42 U.S.C.254b (b)(3)(A) & (B), 254e(b) & (d), & 254f-1] 

HUD............................................................................. Low Income Housing [42 U.S.C. 1437] 

Low-Income Housing Tax Credits [26 U.S.C. 42(d)(5)(C)] 

USDA .............................................Emergency Community Water Assistance Grant Program 

[7 U.S.C. 1926a(e)(1)], 

Single-Family Rural Housing 

[42 U.S.C. 1472] 

Note: These statutory uses were last confirmed in 2002. Work is underway with other Federal agencies to 

develop a comprehensive list of the most current statutory uses supporting each 2010 Census and American 

Community Survey question. An updated list will be included in the March 2008 submission of Questions 

Planned for the 2010 Census and American Community Survey. 

47
FOOD STAMPS BENEFIT asked in the ACS since 1996 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS 

Under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, the Department of Health and 

Human Services continues to monitor and report state performance on a variety of outcomes 

including work-related, family formation, and food stamp participation (45 CFR 270.4(c)(2)). The 

food stamp measure assesses state performance in the current year food stamp participation 

rate for low-income, working families with children and the change in the participation rate of 

such families in the state over the prior year. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

Governments Social Services 

State and local governments need to Faith-based and other non-profit 

compare the number of families and organizations use information about 

individuals needing food assistance with food assistance needs that are not 

those receiving food stamps. Special being met by government programs to 

attention needs to be paid to the working plan and budget for food banks, food 

poor. Adjusting food stamp eligibility kitchens, and other programs. 

guidelines and instituting supplemental 

food assistance programs could meet 

shortfalls that are identified. 

48
FOOD STAMPS BENEFIT asked in the ACS since 1996 

SELECTED STATUTORY USES 

SSA ................................................................................. Social Security Act, Section 403(a) 

HHS......................................................... Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) 

Public Health Service Act, Section 505 

Note: These statutory uses were last confirmed in 2002. Work is underway with other Federal agencies to 

develop a comprehensive list of the most current statutory uses supporting each 2010 Census and American 

Community Survey question. An updated list will be included in the March 2008 submission of Questions 

Planned for the 2010 Census and American Community Survey. 

49 
LABOR FORCE STATUS asked since 1930 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS 

Labor force status is key to understanding work and unemployment patterns and the availability 

of workers. Based on labor market areas and unemployment levels, the Department of Labor 

identifies service delivery areas and determines amounts to be allocated to each for job training. 

The impact of immigration on the economy and job markets is determined partially by labor 

force data, and this information is included in required reports to Congress. The Office of 

Management and Budget, under the Paperwork Reduction Act, uses data about employed 

workers as part of the criteria for defining metropolitan areas. The Bureau of Economic Analysis 

uses this information in conjunction with other decennial census data to develop its state per 

capita income estimates used in the allocation formulas and eligibility criteria of many federal 

programs such as Medicaid. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

Employment 

For local areas with substantial Under the Americans with Disabilities 

unemployment, labor force data are Act, data about labor force are needed 

used to allocate funds and identify to evaluate job complaints reported on 

programs that create new jobs. the basis of disability. 

Data are used to target state and local Education 

areas with a labor force surplus for Data are used to identify local areas that 

programs that promote business need education and employment 

opportunities. programs to improve the conditions of 

refugees. 

50
LABOR FORCE STATUS asked since 1930 

SELECTED STATUTORY USES

HHS................................................................................Community Services Block Grant Act 

[42 U.S.C. 9908b] 

JUSTICE .......................................................................................................... Civil Rights Act 

[42 U.S.C. 2000e et seq.] 

LABOR....................................................................................... Labor Statistics [29 U.S.C. 1] 

Labor Statistics; Workforce Investment Act of 1998 

[29 U.S.C. 1 and 8] 

Note: These statutory uses were last confirmed in 2002. Work is underway with other Federal agencies to 

develop a comprehensive list of the most current statutory uses supporting each 2010 Census and American 

Community Survey question. An updated list will be included in the March 2008 submission of Questions 

Planned for the 2010 Census and American Community Survey. 

51
INDUSTRY asked 1820, 1840, 1910-2000 

OCCUPATION asked since 1850 

CLASS OF WORKER asked since 1910 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS 

These questions describe the work activity and occupational experience of the American labor 

force. Data are used to formulate policy and programs for employment, career development 

and training, and to measure compliance with antidiscrimination policies. Mandated reports for 

Congress on the labor force rely on the analysis of these characteristics. Vital statistics are 

computed by the National Center for Health Statistics using these data. The Bureau of 

Economic Analysis uses this information in conjunction with other decennial census data to 

develop its state per capita income estimates used in the allocation formulas or for eligibility 

criteria in many federal programs such as Medicaid. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

 Employment Social Services 

Information about industry, occupation, The Environmental Protection Agency 

and class of worker is important for uses these data to help identify which 

creating jobs as companies use these occupations and industries expose 

data to decide where to locate new people to harmful chemicals and 

plants, stores, or offices. adversely affect the environment. 

Under the Older Americans Act, these 

data are used to plan job-training Data are used to estimate the demand 

programs for seniors. for staff in health care occupations and 

their geographic distribution based on 

The Equal Employment Opportunity these data. 

Commission, under the Civil Rights and 

Equal Pay Acts, uses these data in 

litigation where employment discrimination is alleged. 

52
INDUSTRY asked 1820, 1840, 1910-2000 

OCCUPATION asked since 1850 

CLASS OF WORKER asked since 1910 

SELECTED STATUTORY USES 

EEOC ................................... Age Discrimination in Employment Act [29 U.S.C. 623 and 633] 

HHS.................................................................................................. Public Health Service Act 

[42 U.S.C. 254b(b)(3)(A) & (B), 254e(b) & (d), & 254f-1], 

Health Insurance for the Elderly and Disabled 

[42 U.S.C. 1395w-4(e)(1)] 

JUSTICE .............................. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act [42 U.S.C. 2000e-2 & 2000e-16] 

LABOR........................................................................................ Job Training Partnership Act 

[29 U.S.C. 1501 et seq., Sections 1511, 1518, 1532, 

1551, 1602, 1603, 1661, 1707, & 1736], 

Labor Surplus Areas Program 

[Executive Orders 10582 & 12073], 

Immigration Act of 1990 

[8 U.S.C. 1182 note & 1182(a)(5)(A)], 

Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 

[8 U.S.C. 1364], 

Labor Statistics; Workforce Investment Act of 1998 

[29 U.S.C. 1 and 8] 

Note: These statutory uses were last confirmed in 2002. Work is underway with other Federal agencies to 

develop a comprehensive list of the most current statutory uses supporting each 2010 Census and American 

Community Survey question. An updated list will be included in the March 2008 submission of Questions 

Planned for the 2010 Census and American Community Survey. 

53
PLACE OF WORK AND JOURNEY TO WORK asked since 1960 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS 

Basic knowledge about commuting patterns and the characteristics of commuter travel come 

from responses to these questions. The commuting data are essential for planning highway 

improvements and developing public transportation services, as well as for designing programs 

to ease traffic problems during peak periods, conserve energy, and reduce pollution. The data 

are required to develop standards for reducing work-related vehicle trips and increasing 

passenger occupancy during peak periods of travel. Also, the data are used to forecast vehicle 

miles of travel in areas that are designated Anonattainment@ with respect to ambient air quality 

standards under the Clean Air Act. The Office of Management and Budget standards, 

developed under the authority of the Paperwork Reduction Act, require the use of decennial 

census data about place of work to define metropolitan areas. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

Transportation Emergency Preparedness 

These data form the database used by Police and fire departments use data 

state departments of transportation and about where people work to plan 

the more than 350 metropolitan planning emergency services in areas of high 

organizations responsible for concentrations of employment. 

comprehensive transportation planning 

activities. Employment 

Data are used to identify patterns of 

Metropolitan planning organizations use discrimination in hiring among minorities 

the data to manage traffic congestion and other population groups within labor 

and develop strategies to mitigate markets. 

congestion, such as carpooling 

programs and flexible work schedules. Banking 

Financial institutions use data about 

Public transit agencies use these data to commuting patterns and occupation to 

plan for transit investments, identify define market areas for describing 

areas needing better transit service, lending practices and the effects of bank 

determine the most efficient routes, and mergers. 

plan for services for disabled persons. 

54
PLACE OF WORK AND JOURNEY TO WORK asked since 1960 

SELECTED STATUTORY USES 

EEOC .................................... Title VII of the Civil Rights Act [42 U.S.C. 2000e-2 & 2000e-16] 

DOT..................................................................Federal-Aid Highways - Metropolitan Planning 

[23 U.S.C. 134(a), (g)(3)], 

Federal-Aid Highways - Statewide Planning 

[23 U.S.C. 135(f)(3)], 

Federal-Aid Highways - Public Transportation 

[23 U.S.C. 142(a)(1) and (d)], 

Federal-Aid Highways - Economic Growth Center Development Highways 

[23 U.S.C. 143(f)(1) & (2)], 

Federal-Aid Highways - Carpool and Vanpool Projects 

[23 U.S.C. 146(a)], 

Federal-Aid Highways - Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement 

[23 U.S.C. 149(b)(3), (b)(5), and (d)] 

Note: These statutory uses were last confirmed in 2002. Work is underway with other Federal agencies to 

develop a comprehensive list of the most current statutory uses supporting each 2010 Census and American 

Community Survey question. An updated list will be included in the March 2008 submission of Questions 

Planned for the 2010 Census and American Community Survey. 

55
WORK STATUS LAST YEAR asked since 1940 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS 

To comply with provisions of the Civil Rights Act, the Department of Justice uses the data to 

determine the availability of individuals for work. The Department of Labor uses data on work 

status last year in planning federal farm worker programs and in constructing the Consumer 

Price Index. Government agencies, in considering the programmatic and policy aspects of 

providing federal assistance to areas, have emphasized the requirements for reliable data to 

determine the employment resources available. Data about the number of weeks and hours 

worked last year are essential because the data allow the characterization of workers by fulltime/part-time and full-year/part-year status. Data about working last year also are necessary 

for collecting accurate income data by defining the universe of persons who should have 

earnings as part of their total income. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

Employment 

Under the Older Americans Act, these Companies use data on work status last 

data are used to plan employment year to make decisions on where to 

programs for the elderly. place new plants or offices. 

Researchers use these data to analyze Data on work status last year are used 

differences between men and women or for legal cases on discrimination under 

among various race or ethnic groups for the Civil Rights Act. 

individuals with similar weeks or hours 

worked. 

56
WORK STATUS LAST YEAR asked since 1940 

SELECTED STATUTORY USES

HHS......................................................................................................... Older Americans Act 

[42 U.S.C. 3002, 3026(a)(1)] 

JUSTICE .......................................................................................................... Civil Rights Act 

[42 U.S.C. 2000e et seq.], 

Labor Statistics 

[29 U.S.C. 1] 

LABOR.............................................................................................. Immigration Act of 1990 

[8 U.S.C. 1182 note & 1182(a)(5)(A)], 

Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 

[8 U.S.C. 1364], 

Labor Statistics: Workforce Investment Act of 1998 

[29 U.S.C. 1 & 8] 

Note: These statutory uses were last confirmed in 2002. Work is underway with other Federal agencies to 

develop a comprehensive list of the most current statutory uses supporting each 2010 Census and American 

Community Survey question. An updated list will be included in the March 2008 submission of Questions 

Planned for the 2010 Census and American Community Survey. 

57 
VEHICLES AVAILABLE asked since 1960 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS 

Vehicles available describes, for each household, the number of passenger cars, vans, and 

trucks of one-ton capacity or less kept at home and available for the use of household members. 

Used in combination with the place-of-work and journey-to-work data collected in the decennial 

census, data about vehicles available are essential for transportation programs. For the 

Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency, data about vehicles 

available are used to develop policies and to plan a number of transportation programs. The 

Department of Energy uses the information to estimate and forecast energy consumption of 

motor vehicles and for planning and establishing program activities as part of the Alternative 

Fueled Vehicles Program. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

Transportation Social Services 

Based on studies of the typical number State and local agencies use the data to 

of daily trips taken by households with determine the need for special 

differing numbers of vehicles available, transportation services for the elderly 

state and metropolitan transportation and disabled. 

planning agencies use the data about 

vehicles available to estimate total Social service agencies use the data to 

vehicle travel and forecast future travel plan for emergency transportation 

and its effect on their transportation services in areas of high concentrations 

systems. of households with no vehicle available, 

such as isolated rural communities. 

The data are used to help form the 

database used by state departments of Environment 

transportation and the more than 350 State and local agencies in regions cited 

metropolitan planning organizations for being in Anonattainment@ of federal 

responsible for comprehensive trans- air quality standards use the data to 

portation planning activities. prepare vehicular travel and pollutant 

emissions profiles and forecasts to 

Local governments construct traffic comply with requirements under the 

analysis zones using data about the Clean Air Act. 

number of vehicles available per 

household. 

58
VEHICLES AVAILABLE asked since 1960 

SELECTED STATUTORY USES

DOT................................................................. Federal-Aid Highways - Metropolitan Planning 

[23 U.S.C. 134(a), (g)(3)], 

Federal-Aid Highways - Statewide Planning 

[23 U.S.C. 135 (f)(3)], 

Federal-Aid Highways - Public Transportation 

[23 U.S.C. 142(a)(1) and (d)], 

Federal-Aid Highways - Carpool and Vanpool Projects 

[23 U.S.C. 146(a)], 

Federal-Aid Highways - Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement 

[23 U.S.C. 149(b)(3), (b)(5) and (a)], 

Air Pollution, Prevention and Control 

[42 U.S.C. 7408(f) (a)(2),7(A)]

Note: These statutory uses were last confirmed in 2002. Work is underway with other Federal agencies to 

develop a comprehensive list of the most current statutory uses supporting each 2010 Census and American 

Community Survey question. An updated list will be included in the March 2008 submission of Questions 

Planned for the 2010 Census and American Community Survey. 

59 
YEAR STRUCTURE BUILT asked since 1940 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS 

The year the structure was built determines the age of housing units. The data are an integral 

component used by the Department of Housing and Urban Development in the development of 

Fair Market Rents for all areas of the country. These data are valuable to several federal 

agencies in developing formulas for allocating funds, determining substandard housing, and 

constructing surveys. Funding formulas used by the Department of Housing and Urban 

Development mandate the use of year structure built data. The data are used to design the 

Department of Energy's legislatively mandated Residential Energy Consumption Survey. Data 

about the age of housing in conjunction with other decennial census information are used to 

develop the Bureau of Economic Analysis state per capita income estimates, used in the 

allocation formulas or eligibility criteria of more than 20 Federal programs. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

Energy Social Services 

The age of housing is used to forecast Under the Older Americans Act, the 

future energy consumption. data are used to determine the number 

of older people who live in inadequate 

Housing housing and who may be candidates for 

The data are used in housing assistance home repair programs or placement in 

programs as a component of measures alternative housing. 

of substandard housing. The data are 

used to allocate funds to local Local areas use the data about the year 

governments under the Community structure was built for forecasting the 

Development Block Grant Program and needs for services such as fire 

Public Housing Modernization formulas. protection. 

Banking The data are used to profile the ages of 

The Federal Reserve Board uses the the structures lived in by eligible 

data to implement the Home Mortgage households under the Low-Income 

Disclosure Act that requires lending Home Energy Assistance Program. 

institutions to disclose details of lending 

practices as a safeguard against unfair 

housing practices in certain communities. 

60
YEAR STRUCTURE BUILT asked since 1940 

SELECTED STATUTORY USES 

FEDERAL RESERVE ................................................Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975 

[12 U.S.C. 2809] 

HHS...............................................Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) 

[42 U.S.C. 8629], 

Community Services Block Grant Act [42 U.S.C. 9902(2)] 

HUD.................................................................................................. Community Development 

[42 U.S.C. 5302(a)(11), (14) – (16), & (b), and 5306(b)(1) & (2)], 

Low Income Housing 

[42 U.S.C. 1437] 

Note: These statutory uses were last confirmed in 2002. Work is underway with other Federal agencies to 

develop a comprehensive list of the most current statutory uses supporting each 2010 Census and American 

Community Survey question. An updated list will be included in the March 2008 submission of Questions 

Planned for the 2010 Census and American Community Survey. 

61
UNITS IN STRUCTURE asked since 1940 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS 

The number of units in the structure subdivides the housing inventory into one-family homes, 

apartments, and mobile homes. The data are an integral component used by the Department of 

Housing and Urban Development to set Fair Market Rents for all areas of the country. When 

combined with other decennial census items such as tenure (whether a home is owned or 

rented), income, and year structure built, units in structure serves as the basic identifier of 

housing used in many federal programs. The Department of Health and Human Services is 

required to profile housing unit types for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program 

(LIHEAP) eligible households. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

Housing Banking 

The Department of Housing and Urban Data about the type of structure is used 

Development uses the data to assess to assess fairness in home lending 

the multifamily housing market in local practices and to enforce the Community 

areas before issuing any funds for Reinvestment Act. 

assisted housing. 

State and local planners use data about Energy

the number of housing units by structure Data about utility costs by type of 

type to forecast the need for services structure are used to analyze current 

such as roads and hospitals. energy supply and consumption and 

predict how consumption will change in 

Health the future. 

The Indian Health Service (HHS) and 

local health agencies use the data to 

assess the potential for the spread of Education 

communicable disease. Local school systems use the data at 

the block level to predict the number of 

Emergency Preparedness school-age children. Different averages 

Federal, state, and local officials use the of children per household are used 

data to identify concentrations of mobile based on whether the structure is a 

homes in tornado- and hurricane-prone single-family home or multiunit 

areas in creating emergency- structure. 

preparedness plans. 

62
UNITS IN STRUCTURE asked since 1940 

SELECTED STATUTORY USES

COMMERCE ............................. Statistical Information for the Transaction of Public Business 

[15 U.S.C. 1516] 

HHS...............................................Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) 

[42 U.S.C. 8629] 

HUD.........................................................................................................Low Income Housing 

[42 U.S.C. 1437], 

National Affordable Housing 

[42 U.S.C. 12705(b)(3)] 

Note: These statutory uses were last confirmed in 2002. Work is underway with other Federal agencies to 

develop a comprehensive list of the most current statutory uses supporting each 2010 Census and American 

Community Survey question. An updated list will be included in the March 2008 submission of Questions 

Planned for the 2010 Census and American Community Survey. 

63
YEAR MOVED INTO UNIT asked since 1960 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS 

Data about the year the householder moved into the unit provides information on the specific 

period of time when mobility occurs, especially for recent movers (those who moved into their 

current home in the 12 months prior to interview). This item measures neighborhood stability 

and helps identify transient communities. The data are an integral component used by the 

Department of Housing and Urban Development in the development of Fair Market Rents for all 

areas of the country. Federal agencies, such as the Departments of Health and Human 

Services and Housing and Urban Development, use the data to calculate turnover among 

specified population groups such as elderly and minority households. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

Social Services Housing 

State and local areas use data about Areas with a substantial number of 

mobility to project the need for schools recent movers are targeted for housing 

and services such as police and fire and community development projects 

protection. under the Community Development 

Block Grant Program. 

Local agencies use the data to evaluate 

changes in service requirements in a State and local planners study and 

given area because of migration of older analyze demographic and economic 

people to or from the area. characteristics of households that have 

recently moved to assess the adequacy 

of the housing stock to meet shelter 

Banking needs. 

The data are needed to evaluate the 

effectiveness of lending practices and Emergency Preparedness 

homeowner insurance procedures under Federal and local emergency 

the Fair Housing Act. management agencies use the data to 

assess the amount of displacement 

caused by hurricanes and other natural 

disasters. 

64
YEAR MOVED INTO UNIT asked since 1960 

SELECTED STATUTORY USES

HUD..............................................................................................National Affordable Housing 

[42 U.S.C. 12705(b)(1)] 

Note: These statutory uses were last confirmed in 2002. Work is underway with other Federal agencies to 

develop a comprehensive list of the most current statutory uses supporting each 2010 Census and American 

Community Survey question. An updated list will be included in the March 2008 submission of Questions 

Planned for the 2010 Census and American Community Survey. 

65
ROOMS asked since 1940 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS 

Data about the number of occupants per room is used to measure the extent of overcrowding 

among our nation=s households. A housing unit is often considered crowded if it has more than 

one person to a room. Many federal agencies use data about crowding to set and implement 

policies. The number of rooms in a home also is used as a measure of housing-unit size in the 

absence of information on square footage by the Department of Housing and Urban 

Development. The Bureau of Economic Analysis uses this information in conjunction with other 

decennial census data to develop its state per capita income estimates, used in the allocation 

formulas or eligibility criteria of more than 20 federal programs. 

 COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

Housing Environment 

Data about the number of persons per Data about the average number of 

room are used to allocate funds for rooms are used in feasibility studies for 

housing assistance to local developing waste treatment facilities. 

governments. 

The data provide benchmark statistics Social Services 

that measure progress toward the The data about the number of rooms 

Congressional declaration of goals for a are used to allocate funds to local areas 

national housing policy: a decent home for home energy assistance to lowand suitable living environment for every income individuals and families under 

American family. the Low-Income Home Energy 

Assistance Program. 

City and community officials use data 

about the number of persons per room 

to determine housing deficiencies in 

neighborhoods. 

66
ROOMS asked since 1940 

SELECTED STATUTORY USES

HHS...............................................Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) 

[42 U.S.C. 8629], 

Community Services Block Grant Act [42 U.S.C. 9902(2)] 

HUD.................................................................................................. Community Development 

[42 U.S.C. 5302(a) & 5306(b)], 

National Affordable Housing 

[42 U.S.C. 12705(b)(1)], 

Homeless Assistance 

[42 U.S.C. 11373] 

Note: These statutory uses were last confirmed in 2002. Work is underway with other Federal agencies to 

develop a comprehensive list of the most current statutory uses supporting each 2010 Census and American 

Community Survey question. An updated list will be included in the March 2008 submission of Questions 

Planned for the 2010 Census and American Community Survey. 

67
BEDROOMS asked since 1960 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS 

The Department of Housing and Urban Development uses bedrooms as an essential variable in 

calculating Fair Market Rents and in allocating funds for Section 8 certificates and housing 

vouchers. The data are useful in tracking changes in the physical characteristics of the housing 

inventory over time. The number of bedrooms also is an indicator of housing-unit size. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

Housing 

Data about the number of bedrooms are These data are used, under the Older 

used to allocate funds to states, Americans Act, to assist states and local 

counties, and cities under the agencies with determining the adequacy 

Community Development Block Grant of housing units for older people, the 

Program. cost of maintaining rental units, and the 

potential usefulness of home-equity 

State and local planners use the data to conversion programs. 

evaluate the adequacy of the housing 

stock to shelter the population. City and community officials use data 

about the number of bedrooms to 

The data provide benchmark statistics determine housing deficiencies in 

that measure progress toward the neighborhoods. 

Congressional declaration of goals for a 

national housing policy: a decent home The Department of Housing and Urban 

and suitable living environment for every Development uses the data to judge 

American family. eligibility for FHA Multifamily Insurance. 

68
BEDROOMS asked since 1960 

SELECTED STATUTORY USES

HHS................................................Community Services Block Grant Act [42 U.S.C. 9902(2)] 

HUD..............................................................................................National Affordable Housing 

[42 U.S.C. 12705(b)(1)], 

Low Income Housing [42 U.S.C. 1437f], 

National Affordable Housing 

[42 U.S.C. 12747(b)(1)(A)] 

Note: These statutory uses were last confirmed in 2002. Work is underway with other Federal agencies to 

develop a comprehensive list of the most current statutory uses supporting each 2010 Census and American 

Community Survey question. An updated list will be included in the March 2008 submission of Questions 

Planned for the 2010 Census and American Community Survey. 

69
KITCHEN FACILITIES asked since 1960 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS 

Complete kitchen facilities are defined as a sink with piped water, a range, and a refrigerator. 

The data are integral components used by the Department of Housing and Urban Development 

in the development of Fair Market Rents for all areas of the country. Federal agencies use this 

item to identify areas eligible for housing assistance and rehabilitation loans, and as an indicator 

of housing quality. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

Housing Social Services 

Data about complete kitchen facilities Under the Older Americans Act, the 

are used to evaluate the Community data are used to determine the number 

Development Block Grant Program, a of older people who live in inadequate 

program that provides grants to states housing and who may be candidates for 

and local governments for the housing assistance programs or 

rehabilitation of privately owned property placement in alternative housing. 

that is intended to be rented as residences. 

City and community agencies use the 

The data are used to distribute federal data to pinpoint areas that need special 

funds for housing assistance to local programs such as Meals On Wheels. 

governments. 

City and community officials use the data 

about complete kitchen facilities to 

determine housing deficiencies in neighborhoods. 

70
KITCHEN FACILITIES asked since 1960 

SELECTED STATUTORY USES

HHS......................................................................................................... Older Americans Act 

[42 U.S.C. 3002 (28) – (30), 3026(a)(1], 

Community Services Block Grant Act 

[42 U.S.C. 9902(2)] 

HUD..............................................................................................National Affordable Housing 

[42 U.S.C. 12705(b)(1)], 

Low Income Housing 

[42 U.S.C. 1437f(c)(1)] 

National Affordable Housing 

[42 U.S.C. 12747(b)(1) (A) and (B)], 

Allocation of Housing Funds 

[42 U.S.C. 1439(d)(1)(A)(i)] 

Note: These statutory uses were last confirmed in 2002. Work is underway with other Federal agencies to 

develop a comprehensive list of the most current statutory uses supporting each 2010 Census and American 

Community Survey question. An updated list will be included in the March 2008 submission of Questions 

Planned for the 2010 Census and American Community Survey. 

71
PLUMBING FACILITIES asked since 1940 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS 

Complete plumbing facilities are defined as hot and cold running water, a flush toilet, and a 

bathtub or shower. The data are essential components used by the Department of Housing and 

Urban Development in the development of Fair Market Rents for all areas of the country. 

Federal agencies use this item to identify areas eligible for public assistance programs and 

rehabilitation loans. Public health officials use this item to locate areas in danger of ground 

water contamination and waterborne diseases. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

Housing Social Services 

Data about complete plumbing facilities Under the Older Americans Act, the 

are used to allocate Section 8 and other data are used to determine the number 

federal housing subsidies to local of older people who live in inadequate 

governments. These programs help housing and who may be candidates for 

American families afford decent, safe, home repair or other assistance. 

and sanitary housing. 

The data are used by the Indian Health 

The Department of Housing and Urban Service to identify specific reservations 

Development uses the data as a critical that are in greatest need of housing 

variable to assess the quality of the assistance. This information is included 

housing stock. in its annual report to the Congress. 

State and local agencies, along with the 

Department of Agriculture, identify poor 

quality housing by measuring the lack of 

plumbing facilities. 

72
PLUMBING FACILITIES asked since 1940 

SELECTED STATUTORY USES

HHS......................................................................................................... Older Americans Act 

[42 U.S.C. 3002(28)-(30), 3026(a)(1)], 

P.L. 100-713, 

[25 U.S.C. 1632(g)(1)(B) and (3)], 

Community Services Block Grant Act 

[42 U.S.C. 9902(2)] 

HUD..............................................................................................National Affordable Housing 

[42 U.S.C. 12705(b)(1)], 

Low Income Housing 

[42 U.S.C. 1437f(c)(1)], 

Fair Market Rents [42 U.S.C. 1437], 

National Affordable Housing 

[42 U.S.C. 12747(b)(1)(A) and (B)] 

Note: These statutory uses were last confirmed in 2002. Work is underway with other Federal agencies to 

develop a comprehensive list of the most current statutory uses supporting each 2010 Census and American 

Community Survey question. An updated list will be included in the March 2008 submission of Questions 

Planned for the 2010 Census and American Community Survey. 

73
HOUSE HEATING FUEL asked since 1940 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS 

The type of primary house heating fuel has long been used as a basic indicator of the adequacy 

of the American housing stock. Over the decades, there has been a dramatic shift in the fuels 

used to heat America's homes. The Department of Energy uses the data to provide information 

on energy supply and consumption. Also, the Department of Energy uses the data to design the 

Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS), a legislatively mandated survey required to 

provide information on residential and commercial energy use. The data are widely used by the 

Environmental Protection Agency for planning and impact assessment. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

Environment Energy 

Local planners use the data to identify Utility companies and fuel oil distributors 

areas that may be at risk for unhealthy use the data to forecast the need for 

air quality as a consequence of reliance additional power facilities such as 

on less efficient and clean home heating generating plants, long distance 

fuels. pipelines for oil or natural gas, and long 

distance transmission lines for 

State and local environmental agencies electricity. 

interested in promoting alternative fuels, 

such as solar energy, use the data to The Environmental Protection Agency 

identify areas with favorable growth uses the data to assess the adequacy of 

potential. energy resources to meet present and 

future needs of the general public. 

Social Services 

The data are needed to determine the 

type of fuel used by low-income persons 

and families who receive assistance 

under the Low-Income Home Energy 

Assistance Program. 

74
HOUSE HEATING FUEL asked since 1940 

SELECTED STATUTORY USES

HHS...............................................Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) 

[42 U.S.C. 8629 (a)(1)(2)(3) and (b)] 

Note: These statutory uses were last confirmed in 2002. Work is underway with other Federal agencies to 

develop a comprehensive list of the most current statutory uses supporting each 2010 Census and American 

Community Survey question. An updated list will be included in the March 2008 submission of Questions 

Planned for the 2010 Census and American Community Survey. 

75
TELEPHONE SERVICE AVAILABLE asked since 1980 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS 

The lack of telephone service is an important measure of social isolation. The Department of 

Health and Human Services and local social service agencies use the data to assess the level 

of need among elderly, low-income, and handicapped households. These data also are 

valuable to a number of agencies in evaluating how well their policies meet the public=s needs. 

Under the Communications Act, the Federal Communications Commission requires decennial 

census data about the number of households having telephone service to measure the extent of 

universal access to telephone service. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

Communications 

State and local agencies use the data to The Administration on Aging uses data 

develop plans that deliver emergency about telephone in unit as a measure of 

telephone service. The data help them social isolation, one of the factors cited 

to assess the extent to which elderly, in the Older Americans Act as a source 

low-income, and handicapped indi- of "greatest social need." 

viduals have access to communication in 

case they need emergency medical or The Federal Communications Comcrime prevention services. mission uses the data to evaluate its 

universal telephone service policies. 

76
TELEPHONE SERVICE AVAILABLE asked since 1980 

SELECTED STATUTORY USES

HHS......................................................................................................... Older Americans Act 

[42 U.S.C. 3002(28)-(30), 3026(a)(1)], 

Community Services Block Grant Act 

[42 U.S.C. 9902(2)] 

Note: These statutory uses were last confirmed in 2002. Work is underway with other Federal agencies to 

develop a comprehensive list of the most current statutory uses supporting each 2010 Census and American 

Community Survey question. An updated list will be included in the March 2008 submission of Questions 

Planned for the 2010 Census and American Community Survey. 

77
FARM RESIDENCE asked since 1970 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS 

America's farm population is identified based on the number of acres and volume of sales of 

agricultural products. The Department of Agriculture allocates funds to states based on the farm 

population and uses this information from the decennial census to identify farms for the Census 

of Agriculture. Also, the Bureau of Economic Analysis uses this information in conjunction with 

other decennial census data to develop its state per capita income estimates, used in the 

allocation formulas or eligibility criteria of more than 20 federal programs such as Medicaid. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

Rural Development 

The Department of Agriculture uses the The Economic Research Service uses 

data to allocate federal funds to states the data to produce economic and 

based, in part, on the farm residence social service information to help the 

population, as determined by the Congress and the administration 

decennial census. develop and evaluate rural policies. 

78
FARM RESIDENCE asked since 1970 

SELECTED STATUTORY USES

USDA ..............................................................................................................Smith-Lever Act 

[7 U.S.C. 343(c)(2)] 

Note: These statutory uses were last confirmed in 2002. Work is underway with other Federal agencies to 

develop a comprehensive list of the most current statutory uses supporting each 2010 Census and American 

Community Survey question. An updated list will be included in the March 2008 submission of Questions 

Planned for the 2010 Census and American Community Survey. 

79
TENURE asked since 1890 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS 

Tenure (whether a home is owned or rented) is the most basic feature of the housing inventory. 

Homeownership rates have served as an indicator of the nation's economy for decades. The 

data are an integral component of the formula used by the Department of Housing and Urban 

Development to establish Fair Market Rents and also are essential for the Federal Housing 

Authority's mortgage insurance program. The Department of Health and Human Services is 

required to profile the housing tenure of Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program 

(LIHEAP) households. The Bureau of Economic Analysis uses this information along with other 

census data to prepare the value of housing services for the National Income and Product 

Accounts. This information is used to assess the costs of utilities based on the type of home 

ownership. Tenure also is used in calculating homeownership vacancy rates and rental vacancy 

rates that federal and local agencies use to evaluate the overall viability of local housing 

markets. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

Planning Banking 

Local planners use data on tenure to Data on tenure are used to distribute 

assess neighborhood stability. funds for mortgage insurance, for rental 

Generally, higher owner-occupancy housing in urban renewal areas, and for 

rates are considered to be a good national defense housing. 

indicator of neighborhood stability since 

owners have considerable long-term The Federal Reserve Board uses the 

investments in their homes. data to determine whether financial 

institutions are meeting the credit needs 

Housing of race and Hispanic origin groups in 

Tenure is one of the integral components low and moderate-income neighborused by the Department of Housing and hoods. 

Urban Development to establish Fair 

Market Rents for different localities Transportation 

throughout the country. This information The Federal Highway Administration 

is used to allocate Section 8 and other allocates funds for public transportation 

federal housing program subsidies that services for elderly and handicapped 

assist American families to afford people based in part on proportions of 

decent, safe, and sanitary housing. homes rented, since renters are more 

likely to use public transportation. 

80
TENURE asked since 1890 

SELECTED STATUTORY USES 

COMMERCE ............................. Statistical Information for the Transaction of Public Business 

[15 U.S.C. 1516] 

HHS...............................................Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) 

[42 U.S.C. 8624(b)(8)], 

Community Services Block Grant Act 

[42 U.S.C. 9902(2)] 

HUD..............................................................................................National Affordable Housing 

[42 U.S.C. 12705], 

Low Income Housing 

[42 U.S.C. 1437f(c)(i)], 

Fair Market Rents 

[42 U.S.C. 1437], 

Allocation of Housing Funds 

[42 U.S.C. 1439(d)(1)(a)(i)] 

Note: These statutory uses were last confirmed in 2002. Work is underway with other Federal agencies to 

develop a comprehensive list of the most current statutory uses supporting each 2010 Census and American 

Community Survey question. An updated list will be included in the March 2008 submission of Questions 

Planned for the 2010 Census and American Community Survey. 

81
VALUE asked since 1930 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS 

The value of home and property is an important measure of neighborhood quality, housing 

affordability, and wealth. The data provide socioeconomic information not captured by 

household income and comparative information on the state of local housing markets. The 

Departments of Housing and Urban Development and Health and Human Services use the data 

to develop housing assistance plans for elderly, low-income, and handicapped individuals. The 

Department of Transportation uses the information for the development of transportation plans, 

policies, and programs. The Bureau of Economic Analysis uses decennial census information in 

preparing the value of housing services for the National Income and Product Accounts. Value 

data are incorporated in annual reports to Congress on housing production, occupancy, and 

tenure, and in analyses of housing needs. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

Housing Social Services 

Statistics about housing value are used The data are used to allocate funds for 

by local agencies in determining the home mortgage insurance for elderly, 

adequacy of housing units for older lower- and moderate-income, and 

people, the cost of maintaining owned displaced families in programs under 

units, and the potential usefulness of the Department of Housing and Urban 

home equity conversion programs. Development. 

Local social service organizations use 

Banking the data for raising funds, writing 

The Federal Reserve Board uses the proposals for grants, locating service 

data to assess the fairness of home areas, and identifying clients wanting 

lending practices. specific services, such as thrift and 

discount stores, to be located nearby. 

Data about home values are used by the 

Department of Housing and Urban Transportation 

Development as an independent check These data are used in developing 

of appraised values for determining the transportation plans for local areas by 

amount of mortgage to be financed. assessing the impact on the value of 

homes affected by road, bridge, and 

subway construction, and related 

problems such as noise and pollution. 

82
VALUE asked since 1930 

SELECTED STATUTORY USES 

COMMERCE ............................. Statistical Information for the Transaction of Public Business 

[15 U.S.C. 1516] 

HUD..............................................................................................National Affordable Housing 

[42 U.S.C. 12705(b)(1)] 

JUSTICE ........................................................................................................Fair Housing Act 

(Discrimination in Lending and Homeowners= Insurance Practices) 

[42 U.S.C. 3601 et seq.] 

Note: These statutory uses were last confirmed in 2002. Work is underway with other Federal agencies to 

develop a comprehensive list of the most current statutory uses supporting each 2010 Census and American 

Community Survey question. An updated list will be included in the March 2008 submission of Questions 

Planned for the 2010 Census and American Community Survey. 

83
RENT asked since 1930 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS 

Rent is an essential measure of shelter costs. Rent amounts are critical for the establishment of 

the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Section 8 Fair Market Rents. Fair Market 

Rents are used for a wide variety of housing programs that assist American families to afford 

decent, safe, and sanitary housing. When compared with income, data about rent offer an 

excellent measure of housing affordability and excessive shelter costs. Various agencies, 

including the Departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture, use the data to 

allocate funds to assist low- and moderate-income families whose rents exceed 30 percent of 

their household income. The Bureau of Economic Analysis uses this information in conjunction 

with other decennial census data to develop its state per capita income estimates, which are 

used in the allocation formulas or eligibility criteria of more than 20 federal programs such as 

Medicaid. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

Social Services 

Data about rent are needed to distribute Data about rent are needed to evaluate 

funds for housing for low-income senior the effectiveness of the Community 

citizens under the Older Americans Act Development Block Grant Program, 

and for home energy assistance to low- which provides grants to states and 

income individuals and families under local governments for rehabilitation of 

the Low-Income Home Energy privately owned properties intended for 

Assistance Program. rent as residences. 

These data are needed to evaluate a 

locality=s qualification for federal housing 

assistance. 

84
RENT asked since 1880 

SELECTED STATUTORY USES

COMMERCE ............................. Statistical Information for the Transaction of Public Business 

[15 U.S.C. 1516] 

HHS................................................................................Community Services Block Grant Act 

[42 U.S.C. 9902(2)] 

HUD........................................................................... Low-Income Housing Fair Market Rents 

[42 U.S.C. 1437f(c)(1)], 

Low-Income Housing Tax Credits 

[26 U.S.C. 42(d)(5)(C)(iii)(1)], 

National Affordable Housing 

[42 U.S.C. 12705(b)(1)] 

Note: These statutory uses were last confirmed in 2002. Work is underway with other Federal agencies to 

develop a comprehensive list of the most current statutory uses supporting each 2010 Census and American 

Community Survey question. An updated list will be included in the March 2008 submission of Questions 

Planned for the 2010 Census and American Community Survey. 

85
SELECTED MONTHLY OWNER COSTS asked since 1980 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS 

Selected monthly owner costs, such as mortgage payments and utilities, are a measure of the 

cost of homeownership. When combined with income, selected monthly owner costs offer an 

excellent measure of affordability and excessive shelter costs. The Department of Housing and 

Urban Development uses the data in nearly all of its housing assistance programs. The 

Department of Health and Human Services uses the data to assess the need for housing 

assistance for elderly, handicapped, and low-income homeowners. The Department of Energy 

incorporates the data about utility costs to help analyze energy supply and consumption. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

Social Services Housing 

Data about selected monthly owner The data are benchmark statistics used 

costs are used to allocate funds for to measure progress toward the 

housing for the elderly under the Older Congressional declaration of goals for 

Americans Act and for home energy national housing policy: a decent home 

assistance to low-income individuals and and suitable living environment for every 

families under the Low-Income Home American family. 

Energy Assistance Program. 

Energy

The Department of Housing and Urban Data about the cost of utilities are used 

Development uses the data as one of to analyze current residential energy 

the selection criteria for urban supply and consumption in order to 

development grants for cities and forecast future needs. 

counties under the Community 

Development Block Grant Program. 

86
SELECTED MONTHLY OWNER COSTS asked since 1980 

SELECTED STATUTORY USES 

HHS...............................................Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) 

[42 U.S.C. 8629(a) and (b)], 

Older Americans Act 

[42 U.S.C. 3002(28), 3026(a)(1)], 

Community Services Block Grant Act 

[42 U.S.C. 9902(2)] 

HUD..................................................................................... Low-Income Housing Tax Credits 

[26 U.S.C. 42(d)(5)(c)(iii)(1)], 

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program 

[42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(12)], 

National Affordable Housing 

[42 U.S.C. 12705(b)(1)], 

HOME Investment Partnerships Program 

[42 U.S.C. 12747], 

National Affordable Housing 

[42 U.S.C. 12747(b)(1)], 

Energy Efficiency Standards 

[42 U.S.C. 12709], 

Low Income Housing [42 U.S.C. 1437f(c)(1)] 

Note: These statutory uses were last confirmed in 2002. Work is underway with other Federal agencies to 

develop a comprehensive list of the most current statutory uses supporting each 2010 Census and American 

Community Survey question. An updated list will be included in the March 2008 submission of Questions 

Planned for the 2010 Census and American Community Survey. 

87
NOTES 

88
D. NEW FOR THE 

AMERICAN 

COMMUNITY 

SURVEY 

89
HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE proposed, 2008 ACS 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS 

This subject is being proposed to be added to the American Community Survey (ACS) to 

enable the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and other federal agencies to 

more accurately distribute resources and better understand state and local health insurance 

needs. 

Planning and implementing many federal health programs requires accurate state and local 

information on health insurance status. The continuing high uninsured rate among 

Americans during a time of economic prosperity is of great concern to policy makers at 

federal, state and local levels. What makes the increasing number of uninsured particularly 

troubling is the well-known fact that millions of individuals are eligible for government 

programs such as Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) but 

remain unenrolled and uninsured. Such eligible but unenrolled individuals needlessly go 

uninsured, face severely restricted access to health care for acute and chronic conditions, 

and rarely get needed preventive health care. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

Social Services 

Data regarding health insurance is State and localities would use the 

used to distribute $5 billion in annual statistically reliable county-level data 

federal grants to states for the SCHIP. on the uninsured to more efficiently 

The current source of the insurance target outreach and enrollment efforts 

data, the Current Population Survey, to those who are eligible for Medicaid 

has annual sample sizes that are too and SCHIP but not enrolled, thereby 

small for many states. Adding a health facilitating increased insurance covinsurance question to the ACS would erage. 

offer an improved data source for 

distributing these funds. 

Public Health 

Measuring health insurance status on the 

ACS would help the HHS better target its 

public health grant resources to locations 

where need is great. 

90
HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE proposed, 2008 ACS 

SELECTED STATUTORY USES

HHS....................................................................... State Children’s Health Insurance Program 

[Title XXI of the Social Security Act], 

Community Health Center Program (section 330, Public Health Service Act) 

Definition of “medically underserved area/population” 

National Health Service Corps 

 (Section 332, Public Health Service Act) Definition of Health Professional 

Shortage Area (HPSA) 

The HPSA designation is also used as a factor in other grant programs and 

carries with it bonus payments in Medicare.

Note: Work is underway with other Federal agencies to develop a comprehensive list of the most current 

statutory uses supporting each 2010 Census and American Community Survey question. An updated list will 

be included in the March 2008 submission of Questions Planned for the 2010 Census and American 

Community Survey. 

91
MARITAL HISTORY proposed, 2008 ACS 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS 

Marital history is being proposed to be added to the American Community Survey (ACS) to 

enable multiple agencies to more accurately measure the effects of federal and state policies 

and programs that focus on the well-being of families. 

Measures of marital transitions will allow the ACS to provide estimates of marriage and divorce 

rates, as well as flows into and out of marriage. Information about rates, flows, and duration are 

critical for more refined analyses of eligibility for program services and benefits and of 

behavioral changes resulting from federal policies and programs. Besides the ACS, no other 

data sources exist that can provide the level of detail necessary to plan for and evaluate the 

effects of federal policies and programs related to marriage. 

For the Department of Health and Human Services, the Temporary Assistance for Needy 

Families Program will use the marriage and divorce data at the national, state, and sub-state 

level to plan for and assess state and community activities designed to influence marital and 

divorce behavior. Equally important are tax and entitlement forecasting functions in Medicare, 

Medicaid, and other federal and state agencies such as the Department of the Treasury, state 

tax departments, and the Social Security Administration. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

Social Services Social Security

Data will be used for formulation and The Social Security Administration will

assessment of Temporary Assistance for use marriage and divorce data to

Needy Families policies and programs at improve Social Security projections and

both the federal and state level. analyses, as well as the formulation and 

assessment of Social Security policy.

Data will be used to plan for and assess 

the success of grantees funded under Government 

the new Healthy Marriage grant Marital history will permit analyses and 

program. projections of tax policies that can 

create or mitigate “marriage penalties” – 

Rates of marriage and divorce data are increased taxes for a married couple

used to track and forecast changes in compared with what the same couple

areas with large numbers of single- would pay if filing as unmarried 

parent families, and thus identify needs individuals. 

for childcare, child support, and other 

social services. Local governments use data about 

marital status in assessing needs for

Employment housing and other community

Community organizations use data development services under the 

about marital status to identify needs Community Development Block Grant

for job training and housing for Evaluation. 

displaced homemakers. 

92
MARITAL HISTORY proposed, 2008 ACS 

STATUTORY USES

HHS......................................................................................................... Older Americans Act 

[42 U.S.C. 3002, 3026(a)(1), 3027(a)(8)], 

Public Health Service Act 

[42 U.S.C. 254b(b)(3)(A) & (B), 254e(b) & (d), 254f-1], 

Child Welfare Act [42 U.S.C. 192], 

Voluntary Family Planning Programs 

[42 U.S.C. 300a-2], 

Hospital Insurance Benefits for Aged and Disabled 

[42 USC 1395i-2(d)(4)(B) and (d)(5)(B)] 

Child Support Enforcement (Part D of the Social Security Act) 

 [42 U.S.C. 652(a)(1), 652(g)(3)(A), 652(j) 667, 669b] 

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program 

(Part A of the Social Security Act (SSA)) 

[42 U.S.C. 601 et seq] 

Marriage Promotion and Responsible Fatherhood Grant program 

(Sec 403(a)(2) of the SSA) [42 U.S.C. 603(a)(2)] 

HUD..................................................................................... Low-Income Housing Tax Credits 

[26 U.S.C. 42(d)(5)(A)], 

Mortgage Revenue Bonds Program 

[26 U.S.C. 143(j) & (k)], 

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Evaluation 

[42 U.S.C. 12701], 

Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategies (CHAS) 

[42 U.S.C. 12701 & 12705(b)] 

LABOR............................................................................................... Immigration Act of 1990 

[8 U.S.C. 1182 note & 1182(a)(5)(A)], 

Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 

[8 U.S.C. 1364] 

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION .................... National Science Foundation Act of 1950 

[42 U.S.C. 1862], 

National Science Foundation Biennial Report 

[42 U.S.C. 1885d] 

Note: Work is underway with other Federal agencies to develop a comprehensive list of the most current 

statutory uses supporting each 2010 Census and American Community Survey question. An updated list will 

be included in the March 2008 submission of Questions Planned for the 2010 Census and American 

Community Survey. 

93
VA SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITY RATING proposed, 2008 ACS 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS 

VA service-connected disability rating is being proposed to be added to the American 

Community Survey (ACS) to enable the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to measure a 

veteran’s service-connected disability compensation entitlement status. This information will 

improve VA’s ability to accurately anticipate the need for VA care and its associated cost. 

VA is required to provide annually a report to Congress that determines whether VA health care 

appropriations for the coming fiscal year are sufficient to cover expenditures associated with the 

expected demand for VA health care services. Adding the proposed service-connected 

disability status measure to the ACS would enable VA to make county-level estimates of 

veterans classified by income, service-connected status, and several other characteristics that 

are needed to classify enrollment priorities. 

This information would fundamentally improve VA’s capability to describe the total veteran 

population in terms of age, priority, and market area and to more accurately estimate the 

demand for VA care. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

VA medical centers and their associated Data on service-connected disability 

outpatient clinics would use these data ratings would allow VA medical centers 

to measure key determinants of the (and their regional networks) to engage 

demand for VA care. in meaningful local area planning that 

accounts for expectations of the future 

demand for VA care. 

94
VA SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITY RATING proposed, 2008 ACS 

SELECTED STATUTORY USES 

HHS......................................................................................................... Older Americans Act 

[42 U.S.C. 3002, 3026(a)(1), 3027(a)(8)], 

Public Health Service Act 

[42 U.S.C. 254b(b)(3)(A) & (B), 254e(b) & (d) & 254f-1] 

LABOR.............................................................. Veterans Employment and Training Program 

[38 U.S.C. 4103A(a)(1), 4103(c)(1)(A), (c)(2 & 3), (c)(6), (c)(8), & (c)(15)(B)], 

Job Training Partnership Act 

[29 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.] 

VA ..............................................................................State Projections of Veteran Population 

[38 U.S.C. 8131(1)], 

Disabled Veterans Outreach Program 

[38 U.S.C. 4103A(a)(1) & (b)(2)], 

Evaluation of Veterans Programs 

[38 U.S.C. 527], 

State Estimates of Nursing Home Care Needs for Veterans 

[38 U.S.C. 8134(a)(1)], 

Equal Employment Opportunity Data on Veterans 

[38 U.S.C. 4212], 

Veterans Benefits Program 

[38 U.S.C. 317], 

Reports to Congress on Veterans Needs 

[38 U.S.C. 542, 4107(c)], 

VA Health Care Demand Estimates Classified by VA Health Care Enrollment Priority 

Enrollment Level Decision Analysis (ELDA) 

[38 U.S.C 1705 and implementing regulation CFR 17.36(c)(1)] 

Note: Work is underway with other Federal agencies to develop a comprehensive list of the most current 

statutory uses supporting each 2010 Census and American Community Survey question. An updated list will 

be included in the March 2008 submission of Questions Planned for the 2010 Census and American 

Community Survey. 

95
NOTES 

96
E. SUBJECT IN THE 

2000 CENSUS 

BUT NOT 

PLANNED FOR THE 

AMERICAN 

COMMUNITY 

SURVEY 

97
NOTES 

98
YEARS OF MILITARY SERVICE deleted for 2008 ACS 

In Census 2000, information describing veterans with less than 2 years of service was to be 

used in conjunction with information about period of service after September 1980 to ascertain 

those veterans not eligible for many VA benefits, health care, and other services. However, the 

law provides for many exceptions to this 2-year rule. Many activated Reserve and National 

Guard service members, for example, will be entitled to benefits even if they serve tours of less 

than 2 years. The importance of Reserve and Guard forces as part of the total active duty 

military force has grown in recent years, particularly with respect to conflicts in Afghanistan and 

Iraq. As a result, exceptions to the “2-year active duty” requirement have also grown. The VA 

Office of the Actuary’s veteran population projection model no longer makes use of data from 

the length of service question. Rather, the focus of this model is on counting veterans, not 

measuring eligibility. 

99