AUG. 16, 2022 — The U.S. Census Bureau today released estimates of net coverage error and components of coverage for Puerto Rico from the 2020 Post-Enumeration Survey (PES). These results provide insight into the quality of the 2020 Census counts for the population and housing units in Puerto Rico.
“The release of coverage estimates for Puerto Rico represents a final piece in completing our comprehensive assessments from the 2020 Post-Enumeration Survey,” Census Bureau Director Robert L. Santos said. “This is one of many self-assessments that allow us to think critically about how we transform our operations and plan for the 2030 Census.”
The PES was used to develop independent estimates of the number of people and housing units in the United States and Puerto Rico on April 1, 2020. These estimates were compared to 2020 Census counts to explore the strengths and limitations of the data and to inform plans to improve the 2030 Census.
Puerto Rico is the largest and most populous U.S. territory and was treated as a separate governmental entity. As such, the sample was designed up front to allow for subpopulation estimates of coverage.
“Understanding the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria, we adapted our operational design to count Puerto Rico as we prepared for the 2020 Census,” Santos said. “We will continue to collaborate closely with key stakeholders in Puerto Rico to work toward an accurate count for future censuses.”
The Census Bureau today also released estimates of net coverage error and components of coverage for housing units for the nation, regions and states.
Earlier this year, the Census Bureau released national-level results along with additional results from the Demographic Analysis (DA). They showed the strength of the total U.S. population count and that coverage varied by demographic groups such as race and Hispanic origin, as well as by age groups and sex.
The Census Bureau also released earlier this year coverage estimates for people by state and the District of Columbia from the PES.
The Census Bureau’s Update Leave operation was of particular importance in Puerto Rico because of the impact of Hurricane Maria. As part of this effort, census workers visited housing units without mailable addresses and left blank census forms and other information to encourage public participation in the 2020 Census.
“These results provide valuable insights that can inform and motivate numerous innovations and operations used in the 2020 Census. Furthermore, work remains for the 2020 Census. We’re not done yet. There are still large data products forthcoming that show the rich diversity of the American people,” Santos said. “As part of the transformation process, we’re taking a fresh look at who we are and looking at ways to engage with the public and stakeholders to get input on designing the 2030 Census – one of many efforts underway to learn how we, the Census Bureau, can contribute more relevant data to the nation.”
In addition to the Census Coverage Estimates for Puerto Rico and the Census Coverage Estimates for Housing Units in the United States reports, the Census Bureau also released the Source and Accuracy of 2020 Post-Enumeration Survey Housing Unit Estimates.
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