All Census Bureau demographic surveys collect information about the residents of each housing unit and how they are related. The level of detail collected varies, as well as the availability of other characteristics of household members. For more information about the main surveys and the unique aspects of each data source visit the Surveys/Programs page.

Although terms like "families" and "households" are familiar to all of us, they are used in particular ways in Census Bureau products. See the Glossary page for definitions of some commonly used terms.

For assistance, please contact the Census Call Center at 1-800-923-8282 (toll free) or visit ask.census.gov for further information.