Count Question Resolution (CQR) operation

The CQR operation offers tribal, state and local governmental units the opportunity to request that the Census Bureau review their boundaries and/or housing counts to identify errors that may have occurred while processing their 2020 Census counts.

2020 Post-Census Group Quarters Review (PCGQR)

The 2020 PCGQR is a new, one-time operation that gives tribal, state and local governmental units the opportunity to request that the Census Bureau review 2020 Census population counts for group quarters facilities. It was created in response to public feedback received on the Count Question Resolution program about counting group quarters’ populations during the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Special Census Program

The Special Census program conducts a basic enumeration of population, housing units, group quarters and transitory locations at the request and expense of a governmental unit. A special census is conducted between decennial censuses.

CQR

No. The Census Bureau cannot legally conduct a recount, but the 2020 CQR can review a governmental unit's boundaries and/or housing counts to identify errors that may have occurred while processing their 2020 Census counts.

2020 PCGQR

No. The Census Bureau cannot legally conduct a recount, but the 2020 PCGQR can review population counts of group quarters that governmental units believe were not counted correctly as of April 1, 2020.

Special Census

No. A special census conducts a new enumeration that corresponds to the reference date for this new count. The results are separate from the 2020 Census.

CQR

Yes. If the 2020 CQR review process finds errors in 2020 Census counts related to geographic boundaries or housing placement, then housing and corresponding population counts may be corrected. These corrected counts will be certified and distributed to all affected governmental units and will be provided to the Census Bureau's Population Estimates Program.

2020 PCGQR

No. The 2020 PCGQR cannot change 2020 Census counts. If the review process finds discrepancies in these population counts supported by sufficient documentation, approved revisions to the group quarters population will be provided to the Census Bureau's Population Estimates Program.

Special Census

No. A special census conducts a new enumeration with a different reference date. The results are separate from the 2020 Census and provide population totals as of the reference date.

CQR

No. 2020 Census data products will not reflect housing and population totals revised through the 2020 CQR.

2020 PCGQR

No. 2020 Census data products will not reflect population totals updated through the 2020 PCGQR because the PCGQR does not alter 2020 Census counts.

Special Census

No. A special census conducts a new enumeration that corresponds to the reference date for this new count. The results are separate from the 2020 Census.

CQR

Yes. CQR redistributes information that was already collected during the 2020 Census, so it can provide certification of a revised count.

2020 PCGQR

No. It is not legally allowable to include new data collected after the census in the official 2020 Census results, and PCGQR will collect new data on eligible group quarters populations that were not counted during the 2020 Census operation.

Special Census

No. A special census issues a certified population count as of the date the special census was conducted.

CQR

Yes. They will be included in the next population estimates base that the production schedule allows. The population estimates base references April 1, 2020 and is used to produce upcoming annual population estimates.

2020 PCGQR

Yes. They will be included in the next population estimates base that the production schedule allows. The population estimates base references April 1, 2020 and is used to produce upcoming annual population estimates. Changes to demographic characteristics will be incorporated into subsequent rounds of estimates.

Special Census

Yes. The results of a full special census will be incorporated into the next vintage of annual population estimates that the production schedule allows. However, these updated counts will not be included in the next population estimates base because a special census, by design, has a reference date after April 1, 2020.

CQR

Yes. 2020 CQR results are reflected in the survey controls for the ACS and PRCS. These controls are developed from the population estimates, which incorporate 2020 CQR results.

2020 PCGQR

Yes. 2020 PCGQR results are reflected in the survey controls for the ACS and PRCS. These controls are developed from the population estimates, which incorporate 2020 PCGQR results.

Special Census

Yes. The results of a full special census are reflected in the survey controls for the ACS and PRCS. These controls are developed from the population estimates, which incorporate Special Census results. The results of a partial Special Census are not incorporated.

CQR

No. Per federal law, 2020 CQR cannot collect new data. It can only correct errors that occurred when processing information that was collected during the 2020 Census.

2020 PCGQR

Yes. It will collect new data for group quarters populations that were not counted during the 2020 Census operation but existed and were available for occupancy on April 1, 2020.

Special Census

Yes. A special census conducts a new enumeration of population, housing units, and group quarters facilities.

CQR

Yes. It can review legal boundaries in place on January 1, 2020 to determine whether errors occurred when processing 2020 Census counts. This review helps ensure that housing and population counts were allocated to the correct 2020 Census blocks in the 50 states, District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

2020 PCGQR

No. It cannot review legal boundaries. It can only reviews population counts for group quarters that existed and were available for occupancy on April 1, 2020.

Special Census

Yes. During a special census, the governmental unit is able to provide the Census Bureau with updates to their boundaries. Once the updates are made, the government has the opportunity to verify that the Census Bureau has updated these boundaries correctly. The governmental unit can provide additional updates or approve their materials at that time.

CQR

No. CQR can only review legal boundaries and housing counts related to the 2020 Census.

2020 PCGQR

Yes. PCGQR can review 2020 Census population counts for group quarters that existed and were available for occupancy on April 1, 2020.

Special Census

Yes. A special census can collect population counts for group quarters that existed and were available for occupancy on the reference date of the special census.

CQR

No. Governmental units do not pay a fee to participate in CQR, nor reimburse the Census Bureau for costs incurred to review their case.

2020 PCGQR

No. Governmental units do not pay a fee to participate in PCGQR, nor reimburse the Census Bureau for costs incurred to review their case.

Special Census

Yes. Governmental units assume full responsibility for the cost of the special census. The Census Bureau will provide a cost estimate as part of the agreement process.

CQR

January 03, 2022 - June 30, 2023

2020 PCGQR

June 06, 2022 - June 30, 2023

Special Census

March 30, 2023 - May 31, 2027

CQR

Yes. It must indicate that they want the Census Bureau to review their census data through the 2020 CQR process. In their message they may choose to designate another person as the point of contact.

2020 PCGQR

Yes. It must indicate that they want the Census Bureau to review their census data through the 2020 PCGQR process. In their message they may choose to designate another person as the point of contact.

Special Census

Yes. A special census cost estimate will not be calculated until both an official letter from your Highest Elected Official and the completed SC-900 form are received by the Census Bureau. Once the required items are received, the Special Census Program will notify you of receipt. It may take several weeks for the Census Bureau to produce a cost estimate based on the information you provide in the SC-900 form.

(Note: This webpage previously stated incorrectly that the Special Census Program did not require an official notification from the highest elected official.)

2020 Census Count Question Resolution Operation (CQR)

2020 Post-Census Group Quarters Review Operation (PCGQR)

Special Census Program