Planning Database (2015, 2016, 2018-2024)

Planning Database (2015, 2016, 2018-2024)

January 22, 2026

The Census Bureau's Planning Database (PDB) contains select operational, housing, demographic, and socio-economic statistics from the Decennial Census and the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year files. When available, some vintages also contain the Low Response Score (LRS), where the LRS is a predicted value of not self-responding to a future decennial census. With few exceptions, notably ACS response rates, statistics are provided at both the block group and tract levels. The PDB was designed as an aid for survey and census planning, but has many potential uses. For example, given its ease of use, one may consider using the PDB for instructional purposes.

For more information on the LRS, see Erdman and Bates 2017 [PDF <1.0 MB ].

For visual displays of key PDB statistics, see Response Outreach Area Mapper (ROAM).

2024

The 2024 Planning Database (PDB) contains select 2018-2022 ACS 5-year estimates, ACS tract level self-response rates, 2020 Census operational variables, the Low Response Score (LRS), and other variables typically on the PDB. Data are available at both the tract and block group levels. The 2024 PDB uses 2020 Census tract and block group geographies.

Block Group

API Call: api.census.gov/data/2024/pdb/blockgroup
Examples: api.census.gov/data/2024/pdb/blockgroup/examples.html
Geographies: api.census.gov/data/2024/pdb/blockgroup/geography.html
Variables: api.census.gov/data/2024/pdb/blockgroup/variables.html
Example Call: Shows the total population in the 2018-2022 5-year ACS for every block group in Autauga County, Alabama for Tract 20100

api.census.gov/data/2024/pdb/blockgroup?get=State_name,County_name,Tot_Population_ACS_18_22,Tot_Population_ACSMOE_18_22&for=block group:*&in=state:01+county:001+tract:020100&key=YOUR_KEY_GOES_HERE

Tract Level

API Call: api.census.gov/data/2024/pdb/tract
Examples: api.census.gov/data/2024/pdb/tract/examples.html
Geographies: api.census.gov/data/2024/pdb/tract/geography.html
Variables: api.census.gov/data/2024/pdb/tract/variables.html
Example Call: Shows the total population in the 2018-2022 5-year ACS for every tract in Autauga County, Alabama

api.census.gov/data/2024/pdb/tract?get=County_name,State_name,Tot_Population_ACS_18_22,Tot_Population_ACSMOE_18_22&for=tract:*&in=state:01+county:001&key=YOUR_KEY_GOES_HERE

The Census Bureau has reviewed this data product to ensure appropriate access, use, and disclosure avoidance protection of the confidential source data used to produce this product (Data Management System (DMS) number: P-7501505, Disclosure Review Board (DRB) approval number: CBDRB-FY2024-0185, CBDRB-FY2024-0293, CBDRB-FY2026-050).