2020 Census: Redistricting and Apportionment

 

    Decade after decade, the United States Census Bureau has had a goal "to count everyone once, only once, and in the right place" with the Decennial Census of Population and Housing. Beginning in 1790, the Census has taken count of the population in the United States, and it's now their 24th run. For the first time, "households were invited to respond to the Census online." Two of the many reasons these population counts are used are as the basis for "sharing political power" via apportionment and legislative redistricting. 

2020 Census Results

Redistricting Data

    Enacted by Congress in 1975, Public Law (P.L.) 94-171 requires the Census Bureau to give states the chance to "identify the small area geography for which they need data in order to conduct legislative redistricting." The Census also has to "furnish tabulations of population to each state." Because of the Public Law, the Census provides this data for redistricting purposes. Redistricting is when the Census Bureau "provides the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico with population counts to use in their redrawing of congressional and state legislative district boundaries."

The U.S. Census even offers a course on how to access and understand this immense amount of data. It has various skill levels, extra resources, and the various helpful videos! Check out the Comprehensive Source of Accessing 2020 Census Redistricting Data to explore the data collected via the courses. The Census also added a new format to view the data which is "easier to use."

The entire set of the 2020 Census (P.L. 94-171) Redistricting Data Summary Files can be accessed here; they include technical documentation and legacy format support materials. On September 16, 2021, the Census delivered the final redistricting data toolkit for the public. It includes digital tools and even access to an online Data Explorer tool. 

2020 Census Apportionment Results

 Another reason for the 2020 Census is for apportionment. Apportionment is "the process of dividing the 435 memberships, or seats, in the U.S. House of Representatives among the 50 states." These results will calculate how many seats each state will receive. These populations include all 50 states, U.S. military personnel and federal civilian employees. The Census uses an "Equal Proportions Method" equation to get the results they need.

The map above contains the results of this past year's Census. Some states remained the same while others had to gain or lose seats. The results can be downloaded or printed here.

The U.S. Census at Oklahoma State University

 The Oklahoma Department of Commerce is holding a virtual workshop, "Know My Community, Grow My Community," on October 7th from 10:00 AM to noon at the OSU Library. Staff from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce will review the data tools available and offer tips on the Census, redistricting, and recent laws that affect on businesses in the state.

More Resources

Explore Census Data

The new platform to access data and digital content from the U.S. Census Bureau.

2020 Census Timeline of Important Milestones

The key dates for the 2020 Census are available with details of the beginning of the count to the end.

Census Data Quality

The Census Bureau works on evaluating the quality of their data and work to provide the best results possible. 

Local Data

This table allows anybody to find data for any city in the country!

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