The U.S. Census Bureau has published the initial version of its 2030 Census Operational Plan, setting out a broad outline for how the next decennial census will be conducted. The plan, referred to as “Baseline 1,” highlights the main activities that will be required to count the population and housing units across the country.
According to the Bureau, this first version documents high-level strategies and lays the groundwork for future, more detailed plans. Key components include identifying all possible residential addresses, encouraging participation, collecting and processing data from various living situations, analyzing coverage and quality of results, preparing census data products, managing operations through disciplined program management practices, providing necessary IT solutions, and ensuring appropriate staffing and infrastructure.
“Baseline 1 builds upon the successes of the 2020 Census, with further improvements to increase efficiencies. The plan incorporates research, small-scale testing and public feedback to date. The Census Bureau is set to carry out the 2026 Census Test and 2028 Census Dress Rehearsal to inform subsequent, more detailed versions of the plan. This iterative approach will give the Census Bureau an evidence-based design for the 2030 Census.”
An interactive tool accompanies this release to help stakeholders explore aspects of the operational plan in detail. The Bureau’s approach includes ongoing research and community input as well as scheduled tests in 2026 and a dress rehearsal in 2028 ahead of finalizing procedures for 2030.
