Census Information

How does voting relate to the national census?

• The U.S. census takes place every 10 years to count every person that lives in the United States, no matter their ability to vote, citizenship status, birth origin, etc.
• The census provides the foundation for our democracy by serving as a basis for equitable representation, resource distribution, civil rights protections, housing, education funding, federal government program funding, and more.
• The census and voting go hand in hand because
  • If less people respond to the census, our state can lose representatives in the House of Representatives
    • NYS lost one seat after the 2020 census
  • State congressional and assembly limes are drawn according to the census
  • The census informs policy decisions
• To understand more about the importance of the census visit here.
• To find out more information about the census, visit the John Jay census website here. 

Census Bureau Releases Initial Plan for Conducting 2030 (July 2025)

In 2030, the United States will be conducting another Census. In the lead-up to 2030, the Census Bureau has released its initial operational plan which describes how they will implement operations. This initial plan is called “Baseline 1.” 

The key components of “Baseline 1” include: 

• Establish where to count. Identify all the addresses where people could live including nontraditional settings such as shelters, campgrounds, hotels, motels, etc. through canvassing and satellite imagery.
  • This step ensures all locations where people live are linked to a census block which helps with data collection and tabulation.
• Count the population. Encourage participation and response. Collect and process data for households and individuals in all living situations.
  • Counting the population involves multiple steps such as self-responses, in-field and in-office enumeration, capturing data from island areas, and more. That’s why the census depends on more than just self-responses to ensure an accurate population count.
• Research census results. Conduct a comprehensive and methodologically sound set of research and analysis activities that facilitate the design of efficient and effective operations for the 2030 Census, measure the coverage of the 2030 Census results, and provide input to the 2040 Census design.
• Provide census results. Prepare and provide census data products to all 50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Island Areas; and the Secretary of Commerce subsequently delivers results to the President.
  • This action ensures that each region receives the 2030 census data required for redistricting of seats in the House of Representatives and that the results are securely and accurately stored.
• Plan and manage. Plan and design operations and follow disciplined program management practices to effectively prepare for and conduct the census.
  • This step ensures the 2030 Census mission is being followed: to determine where everyone in the nation lives, count the people at those locations, and share the results with the President, the states, and the American people.
• Provide solutions. Manage and execute the planning, design, development, testing, security, and operational support for IT solutions required to conduct the census.
• Provide infrastructure. Provide services, staffing, workspace and environment needed to develop, test, secure and conduct the census.
  • This infrastructure and staffing will not only be needed to conduct the 2030 census, but also to conduct the 2026 test census and 2028 dress rehearsal.

The goal of Baseline 1 is to improve the 2030 census collection and increase efficiency when collecting and analyzing the census data. These Baseline 1 components will be tested during the 2026 Census Test and 2028 Census Dress Rehearsal. Based on the results of those tests, the 2030 Census Operational Plan will likely be refined, as thecensus will follow an evidence-based design. Overall, the goal of the census is to conduct a quality population and housing count in our nation.

For additional information visit: Census Bureau Releases Initial Plan for Conducting 2030 Census, 2030 Operational Plan

Census & Population Growth and Changes in New York State in 2024 

Contrary to popular belief, New York State’s population increased in 2024, according to the Census Bureau. New York City saw the most population growth in 2024 with an increase of 87,184 residents. Yonkers saw the second most population growth in New York State with an increase of 2,118 residents. And, a town in Orange County, Kiryas Joel also named Palm Tree, increased its population by 1,922 residents in 2024. Kiryas Joel now has a total of 43,863 residents, which is an increase of over 10,000 residents since 2020. New Rochelle in Westchester County experienced the fourth-highest population growth, followed by the Village of Hempstead in Nassau County, which ranked fifth.

While these increases in population are significant, New York State is still losing population in certain areas or regions, and it is still at risk of losing two seats in Congress after the 2030 census. In 2024, areas with the highest population decline in New York State were Jamestown (-257), Potsdam (-191), Watertown (-158), Niagara Falls (-131) and Canton (-123).

Even though New York City and several other municipalities experienced encouraging population growth in 2024, for New York State to maintain its representation in Congress and secure necessary federal resources, sustained and increased population growth is essential in the coming years. This is due to New York City losing 262,234 residents between 2020 and 2024. While the population growth in 2024 was a positive development, the significant decline over the four-year period could have a substantial impact on the State’s overall population by the time the 2030 Census takes place.

One important way to support your community is by participating in the 2030 Census. Accurate census data helps ensure fair representation and proper allocation of funding for vital services. When the time comes, be sure to complete the 2030 census and encourage others to do the same.

Visit for additional information: https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-total-cities-and-towns.html?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email