2026 Census Test Press Kit
The 2026 Census Test will help us improve how we will count everyone in the country in the 2030 Census.
It is the first of two on-the-ground tests we plan to conduct in preparation for the 2030 Census.
On this page:
Important Dates
- May 1, 2026: Public begins responding to the test online.
- June 1 – August 31, 2026: Census takers, including postal workers, may visit households that don’t respond on their own. Households can still respond online during this time.
- August 31, 2026: 2026 Census Test concludes.
2026 Census Test Updates
The 2026 Census Test will focus on limited operations in two test site locations.
Media Assets
Maps and Data Profiles
Spartanburg, SC
The Spartanburg, SC site includes selected areas within the metro area.
Huntsville, AL
The Huntsville, AL site includes selected areas within the metro area.
Media Resources
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Press ReleaseCensus Bureau Asks Select Households to Respond Now to the 2026 Census TestPeople living in the two 2026 Census Test sites are asked to start responding to the first field test leading up to the 2030 Census. -
Press Release2026 Census Test UpdatesCensus Bureau to conduct pilot with USPS for 2026 Census Test. -
Press ReleaseCensus Bureau Statement on 2026 Census TestThe test will focus on operations in two of the planned test site locations. -
Press ReleaseCensus Bureau Jobs Available for the 2026 Census TestThe Census Bureau has launched an effort to hire approximately 1,500 temporary field workers to support the 2026 Census Test. -
Press ReleaseEl Censo anuncia nuevos empleos para la Prueba del Censo del 2026La Oficina del Censo contratará a aproximadamente 1,500 trabajadores de campo temporales para apoyar la Prueba del Censo del 2026. -
Press ReleaseLa Oficina del Censo publica el plan inicial para el Censo del 2030La Oficina del Censo de los EE. UU. publicó hoy la primera versión del Plan Operativo del Censo del 2030 y una herramienta interactiva. -
Press ReleaseCensus Bureau Releases Initial Plan for Conducting 2030 CensusThe U.S. Census Bureau today released the first version of the 2030 Census Operational Plan, along with an interactive tool for exploring it. -
Press ReleaseCensus Bureau Announces Sites for 2026 Census TestThe U.S. Census Bureau announced the sites for the 2026 Census Test, the first of two major on-the-ground tests planned in preparation for the 2030 Census. -
Press ReleaseLa Oficina del Censo anuncia los sitios de la Prueba del 2026La Oficina del Censo anuncia los sitios donde se hará la Prueba del Censo del 2026 -
Press Release2030 Census Advisory Committee MeetingThe U.S. Census Bureau will host the 2030 Census Advisory Committee Summer Virtual Meeting on Friday, July 26 from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EDT. -
Press ReleaseCensus Bureau to Announce Sites for 2026 Census TestThe Census Bureau will hold a webinar on Monday, July 22, 2024, at 2 p.m. EDT, to announce the sites selected for the 2026 Census Test. -
Press ReleaseCensus Bureau to Announce Plans for 2026 Census TestThe third in a series of webinars to share updates and lay the groundwork for key components of the 2030 Census preparations.
2026 Census Test Site Selection
Monday, July 22, 2024, at 2 p.m. EDT
The U.S. Census Bureau held the fourth in a series of webinars to share updates on its efforts to lay the groundwork for the 2030 Census. The webinar announced the sites selected for the 2026 Census Test. Since the webinar, the Census Bureau has announced changes to the scope of the 2026 Census Test. The test will focus on limited operations in two test site locations.
2026 Census Test Scope
Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at 2 p.m. EDT