Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about using data.census.gov, the Census API, and Microdata Access. Find out what data, features, and functionality is available.
What is data.census.gov?
Data Availability
How to Use the Site
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How do I get started with my search?
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Data by race, Hispanic Origin, ancestry, or country of birth?
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How do I save my results or search?
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How can I match the GEOID?
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How do I freeze columns in a table?
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How can I print the table or download a PDF?
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How do I navigate between the different pages?
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What are the preferred and supported browsers for data.census.gov?
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Can I download tables?
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How can I create a custom filter?
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How do I select geographic components such as urban/rural?
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How do I access DP-1 and Quick Tables from the Decennial Census?
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How do I clear the cache in Chrome?
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What should I do if I run into intermittent responses with the site?
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Why doesn’t my download look like the table?
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Why does my table not show all of my selected geographies?
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Learn how to use data.census.gov, the Census API, & Microdata Access?
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How do I search by address using data.census.gov?
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How do I search by address using the Census Geocoder?
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Where can I download Shapefiles?
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When I tried accessing the site, I got a Support ID. What should I do?
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How can I find data for ZIP Codes on data.census.gov?
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How can I access 2020 Census data on data.census.gov?
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How can I compare Census data from 2020 to 2010 on data.census.gov?
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How can I access Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Tabulation data?
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How can I find the land area of a geography?
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How can I keep my geographies when searching for a new table?
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How do I select PUMAs on MDAT for ACS with dual vintage PUMAs?
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How Can I Group (or Aggregate) Geographies in the Microdata Access Tool?
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Which Statistical Weight Should I Apply in the MDAT?
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Should I Apply the Person or Housing Weight in the MDAT?
Functionality Available
General Questions
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When did American FactFinder (AFF) go away?
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Why was American FactFinder retired?
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Why am I getting the message “Data for This Table is Unavailable”?
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Are table IDs the same?
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Will I still be able to use other tools (OnTheMap, FTP site, etc.)?
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When was data.census.gov fully operational?
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What is the Census API? How do I use it?
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The difference between the universes for the ACS, Decennial, and CPS?
Feedback
Take Action
As we continue to develop new functionalities like search by address and advanced printing and download options, please let us know what features are important to you.
Please send your questions or comments on data.census.gov, Census API, or Microdata Access to [email protected]
Page Last Revised - September 12, 2025