JULY 23, 2026 — The U.S. Census Bureau today released new data tables about U.S. employment, housing (energy expenses), mental health, social connectedness and other topics from the Household Trends and Outlook Pulse Survey (HTOPS). In addition to data tables, the release includes a new infographic highlighting U.S. arts and entertainment activities.

These data – collected from a sample of about 136,000 households in March 2026 – cover the nation and smaller geographic areas defined by the Census Bureau.

Data users can access the newly released data tables and a previously released public-use file to create customized tables on issues including:  

• Loss of employment income.
• Employment status and sector.
• Food sufficiency.
• Health insurance coverage.
• Mental health.
• Social connectedness.
• Difficulty paying usual household expenses.
• Changes in prices for goods and services.
• Stress caused by price increases.
• Participation in the arts.

HTOPS is an experimental data product collected every other month on core and rotating topics to gauge socioeconomic conditions facing U.S. households. It delivers near real-time data to assess conditions, monitor trends and inform a range of operational and policy needs.

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