Census Summaries | Demographics

Demographics

Fairfax County, Virginia

CONTACT INFORMATION: Our office is open 8AM-4:30 PM M-F

703-324-2391
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DMBInfo@fairfaxcounty.gov

12000 Government Center Parkway
Fairfax, VA 22035

Demographics,
Suite 561

Census Summaries

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As the federal government’s leading statistical agency, U.S. Census Bureau conducts a variety of census and survey programs aiming to provide quality data about people who reside in the U.S. and the territories. The two main data products that contain demographic and socio-economic information by geography are provided by Decennial Census and American Community Survey (ACS).

The Census Reporter, Geography Profile, and Narrative Profile icons on top of this page connect to the user-friendly interfaces for Fairfax County provided by U.S. Census Bureau. The links below direct to Decennial Census and ACS summaries compiled by Fairfax County Economic, Demographic, and Statistical Research. The table below provides the guidance on comparing Decennial Census with American Community Survey.

Decennial Census VS. American Community Survey

Decennial Census	American Community Survey
Conducts every ten years, measures at a point-in-time.	Conducts every month, every year; Combines 12 or 60 months of data.
Sends to near 100% addresses nationwide and counts every person living in the 50 states, District of Columbia, and the five U.S. territories.	Sends to a sample of addresses in the 50 states, District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
Asks a shorter set of questions, such as age, sex, race, Hispanic origin, and owner/renter status.	Asks about topics not on the Decennial Census questionnaire, collects additional information on detailed population, household, and housing characteristics, such as education, employment, poverty status, health insurance coverage, income, language spoken, internet access, and transportation.
Provides an official count of the population, which determines congressional representation, realigns congressional districts, redistricts within each state, and distributes federal funds. Data are also used as critical information to provide daily services, products, and support for communities.	Provides current information to communities every year. It also provides local and national leaders with the broad range of information they need for programs, economic development, emergency management, and understanding local issues and conditions.

References:

U.S. Census Bureau - Decennial Census; U.S. Census Bureau - American Community Survey