The U.S. Census Bureau, in collaboration with multiple federal agencies, is in a unique position to produce data on critical social and economic matters affecting American households. Originally launched in April 2020, the Household Pulse Survey (HPS) was designed to deploy quickly and efficiently to measure how emergent issues are impacting U.S. households from a social and economic perspective. Between April 2020 to September 2024, HPS continuously measured these topics through cross-sectional data collection, and the data were disseminated in near real-time to inform federal and state action.

Beginning in October 2024, the HPS content was transitioned into a longitudinal design. In January 2025, the HPS officially relaunched as an integral part of the Household Trends and Outlook Pulse Survey (HTOPS). The HTOPS survey content alternated between HPS-focused content, which addressed timely issues affect U.S. households, and content submitted by internal Census partners and stakeholders, allowing for flexible, targeted exploration of emergent topics.

The HTOPS used a longitudinal design throughout 2025 and shifted to a cross-sectional design beginning in March of 2026. In its cross-sectional design, the HTOPS continues to provide timely insight into national events that have social and economic impacts on U.S. households and enables the Census Bureau to address research and content development needs for its Census and survey programs.

PLEASE NOTE: HPS data users are advised to refer to the HPS data page for the HPS-focused topical surveys of HTOPS.