Overview

The 1990 United States Census, conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, was the twenty-first decennial census of the country. Census Day for enumeration was April 1, 1990. The resident population was counted at 248,709,873, an increase of about 9.8 percent from the 1980 census. The results provided the official population totals used for congressional apportionment and a wide range of federal, state, and local planning purposes.

Questionnaires and methodology

Most households received a short form that collected basic information such as name, sex, age, race, and relationship. About 16 percent of households were given a more detailed "long form" containing more than 100 questions. The long form gathered additional social, economic, and housing information—topics such as education, employment, income, commuting, and housing characteristics—so planners and researchers could study detailed population and housing patterns without surveying every household.

Key findings and uses

The population totals from the 1990 census were used for reapportioning seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and for redistricting at state and local levels. Census data also guide the allocation of billions of dollars in federal and state funds, influence where facilities and services are located, and serve as a baseline for demographic research, business decisions, and historical study.

Historical context and changes

The 1990 census continued the evolution of questions and categories applied since earlier counts. It reflected ongoing efforts to improve accuracy and to address changing social and legal needs. The Census Bureau increasingly relied on mail-out questionnaires and computerized processing to manage the large volume of responses and to produce tabulated results more efficiently.

Notable distinctions and legacy

One important change in 1990 was the separate classification of "Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander" as distinct from the Asian racial category. This change acknowledged the distinct origins and circumstances of Pacific Islander populations and improved the ability to produce more specific demographic statistics for those communities. The census remains a key snapshot of the nation at a moment in time and a foundation for many decades of policy, research, and planning.

Further information