Census and Statistics

The Planning Department, as an affiliate of the New York State Data Center, is responsible for assisting with the collection and dissemination of demographic, social and economic data. Use the subject links at right to access findings, maps, and tables on a wide range of population, social, and housing themes (by municipality), based on the latest decennial census and American Community Survey.

The Department is a major repository for census and statistical data, and works closely with the U.S. Census Bureau and other government statistical agencies. Information collected from the census is used to distribute over $300 billion in federal funding to states and local governments. In addition, census information determines how many seats each state receives in the U.S. House of Representatives and how many electoral votes each state receives for presidential elections. Funding and planning for schools, infrastructure, and community programs and services relies on census data.

The Decennial Census

The census is conducted every ten years, as required by the Constitution. Census forms are sent to every household in the nation. Everyone is required to be counted in the census, including persons of all ages, racial backgrounds, citizens and non-citizens. For households that do not return census forms, the Census Bureau may make official visits to count the individuals living in those households.

By April 1, all households will have received an invitation to respond. For the first time, individuals will be able to respond to the census online. Individuals can still respond by mail or by phone. It is important that all households respond to the census completely and honestly. Failure to do so could have negative effects on the funding and representation Westchester County and its municipalities receive.

Data from the census is anonymized and cannot be traced back to any individual person. Sharing personal census information outside the Department of Commerce (i.e., with local and federal law enforcement, tax agencies, etc.) is illegal, and punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The Department is working to ensure that all households are included and that all possible respondents are counted. Local Complete Count Committees (CCC) are being organized across the county to assist in this endeavor. Learn more about the 2020 Census.

About the American Community Survey

The Census Bureau previously sent a "long form" of the Census to a sample of the population along with the "short form" of the decennial census. This form included a more extensive list of questions beyond the 10 identified in the short form of the Census. Beginning in 2005, the Bureau began to use a new sample survey known as the American Community Survey (ACS). This survey is now sent to approximately 3.5 million housing units and group quarters in the US annually. ACS estimates are less precise than the comparable estimates from Census 2000 and prior decennial census years, however they are collected each year and are at times more current. It is necessary to combine multiple survey years to obtain reliable estimates for smaller geographies. All ACS data is subject to a margin of error, as was true for long form Census 2000 sample data.

The 2010 Census did not include a "long form," meaning that the ACS is the new source of data for many topics. For instance, there is no 2010 Census data on income, because the 2010 Census did not contain any questions on income. Data on income and many other topics is now found in American Community Survey data.

Featured 2010 Westchester County Census Tables & Maps

Tables:

American Community Survey (ACS) Data 2013-2017 Maps

Census 2010 Maps

 Quick Links

Westchester Board of Realtors Residential Sales Reports

For more information, contact Karen Duffy by calling (914) 995-4418 or by e-mail at .