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Index/Topics/Census Counting Methodology

Census Counting Methodology

The methodology used for counting residents in the census, including the inclusion of non-citizens and the use of statistical sampling.

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Jan 22, 2026

How have courts interpreted the Census Clause’s use of “persons” historically?

Courts have read the Census Clause’s directive to count “persons” expansively: judicial decisions and long administrative practice treat the census as a —not a roster of citizens—and permit a range of...