What was the primary purpose of the 2000 United States census?

The 2000 United States census was conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau to determine the resident population of the United States as of April 1, 2000. This count is crucial for various governmental functions, including the apportionment of congressional seats and the distribution of federal funds.

What was the total resident population of the United States recorded in the 2000 census?

The 2000 United States census determined the resident population of the United States to be 281,421,906 people. This represented a significant increase from the previous census.

How did the population enumerated in the 2000 census compare to the 1990 census?

The 2000 census recorded a population of 281,421,906, which was a 13.2 percent increase compared to the 248,709,873 people counted in the 1990 census. This growth indicates a substantial population expansion over the decade.

What was the significance of the 2000 census in terms of its scale?

At the time of its completion, the 2000 census was the largest civilly administered peacetime effort undertaken in the United States. This highlights the immense logistical undertaking involved in counting the nation's population.

What was the 'long form' of the 2000 census, and how was it utilized?

The 'long form' of the 2000 census was a questionnaire containing over 100 questions, which was distributed to approximately 16 percent of households. It was used to gather more detailed demographic, social, economic, and housing information beyond the basic count.

Was the 2000 census the last to use the 'long form' questionnaire?

Yes, the 2000 census was the final census to include the 'long form'. Subsequent censuses, starting with the 2010 census, shifted to a 'short form' only, with detailed data collection being handled by the American Community Survey.

Where can comprehensive documentation for the 2000 United States census be accessed?

Comprehensive documentation for the 2000 census, including census forms and procedural histories, is available through the Integrated Public Use Microdata Series (IPUMS).

Which U.S. state was the first to surpass a population of 30 million according to the 2000 census?

California became the first U.S. state to record a population exceeding 30 million during the 2000 census. This milestone underscored California's status as the most populous state.

Which two states recorded populations over 20 million in the 2000 census?

In the 2000 census, both California and Texas surpassed the 20 million population mark, with California being the first state to do so. This indicates significant population concentrations in these two large states.

Where can microdata from the 2000 census be freely accessed?

Microdata from the 2000 census is available for free access through the Integrated Public Use Microdata Series (IPUMS). This data allows researchers to analyze detailed demographic information at an individual or household level.

When will personally identifiable information from the 2000 census become publicly available?

Personally identifiable information collected during the 2000 census is scheduled to become available in the year 2072. This adheres to the standard 72-year rule for census data confidentiality.

What was the most populous state in the United States according to the 2000 census?

California was the most populous state in the United States as of the 2000 census, with a population of 33,871,648. It was also the first state to exceed 30 million residents.

What was the least populous state in the United States according to the 2000 census?

Wyoming was the least populous state in the United States in the 2000 census, with a population of 493,782. This reflects its status as one of the least densely populated states.

Which state experienced the highest percentage increase in population between the 1990 and 2000 censuses?

Nevada recorded the highest percentage increase in population, with a growth of 66.3% between the 1990 and 2000 censuses. This rapid growth indicates significant migration and economic development in the state during that decade.

Which state had the lowest percentage population increase between the 1990 and 2000 censuses?

West Virginia experienced the lowest percentage population increase, growing by only 0.8% between the 1990 and 2000 censuses. This indicates minimal population growth in the state during that period.

What was the numeric population increase for California between the 1990 and 2000 censuses?

California's population increased by 4,111,627 people between the 1990 and 2000 censuses. This substantial numeric growth contributed to its position as the most populous state.

What was the numeric population increase for North Dakota between the 1990 and 2000 censuses?

North Dakota had a numeric population increase of 3,400 people between the 1990 and 2000 censuses. This was the smallest numeric increase among all states during that decade.

What was the population of New York in the 2000 census, and what was its percentage change from 1990?

New York had a population of 18,976,457 in the 2000 census, representing a 5.5% increase from its 1990 population. This growth was moderate compared to some other states.

What was the population of Florida in the 2000 census, and what was its percentage change from 1990?

Florida's population in the 2000 census was 15,982,378, showing a significant increase of 23.5% from its 1990 population. This rapid growth highlights Florida's popularity as a destination for migration.

What was the population of Arizona in the 2000 census, and what was its percentage change from 1990?

Arizona's population in the 2000 census was 5,130,632, marking a substantial increase of 40.0% from its 1990 population. This indicates rapid growth, likely driven by migration and economic opportunities.

What was the most populous city in the United States according to the 2000 census?

New York City was the most populous city in the United States in the 2000 census, with a population of 8,008,278. It is the largest city by population in the country.

What was the population of Los Angeles in the 2000 census?

Los Angeles had a population of 3,694,820 in the 2000 census, making it the second most populous city in the United States at that time.

Which city ranked tenth in population in the 2000 United States census?

Detroit ranked tenth in population in the 2000 United States census, with 951,270 residents. It is a major city in the Midwest region.

What was the population of Puerto Rico in the 2000 census?

The population of Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory, was recorded as 3,808,610 in the 2000 census. This represented an 8.1% increase from the previous decade's count.

What percentage of respondents identified as White and no other race in the 2000 census?

In the 2000 census, 75% of respondents indicated they were White or Caucasian and did not identify with any other race. This demographic group formed the largest single racial category.

How did the Hispanic or Latino population percentage change between the 1990 and 2000 censuses?

The Hispanic or Latino population accounted for 12.5% of the U.S. population in the 2000 census, an increase from 9% in 1990. This shows a notable rise in the Hispanic population over the decade.

What percentage of the U.S. population reported German descent in the 2000 census?

Approximately 12.4% of the U.S. population, or 34.5 million Americans, reported having German descent in the 2000 census. This indicates that German ancestry was the most commonly reported ancestry.

What percentage of respondents identified as multiracial in the 2000 census?

In the 2000 census, 2.4% of respondents, totaling 6.8 million Americans, identified as multiracial (two or more races). This was the first census to offer specific options for multiracial identification.

Which age group experienced the most significant percentage growth between the 1990 and 2000 censuses?

The population group aged 45 to 54 saw the largest percentage growth, increasing by 49% between 1990 and 2000. This demographic shift reflects the aging of the Baby Boomer generation.

What percentage of U.S. households had access to computers and the internet in 2000?

In 2000, 51% of U.S. households had access to computers, and 42% had internet access. These figures highlight the growing adoption of digital technology in American homes at the turn of the millennium.

Which regions of the United States experienced the largest population increases between 1990 and 2000?

The South and West regions of the United States experienced the largest population increases between 1990 and 2000, with the South growing by 14,790,890 and the West by 10,411,850. These increases drove the movement of the mean center of the U.S. population westward.

Where did the mean center of the U.S. population move to as a result of the 2000 census?

The mean center of the U.S. population moved to Phelps County, Missouri, following the results of the 2000 census. This westward and southward shift reflects the changing distribution of the nation's population.

What is the primary function of census results in determining congressional representation?

Census results are used to determine the number of congressional districts each state is apportioned, which in turn dictates the number of representatives each state sends to the United States House of Representatives. This process ensures proportional representation based on population.

How many seats are allocated to the United States House of Representatives?

The United States House of Representatives has a fixed total of 435 seats. This number has remained constant since 1911, meaning each representative serves an increasingly larger constituency over time.

What was the controversy surrounding the adjustment of census data in the lead-up to the 2000 census?

There was significant controversy over whether the Census Bureau should adjust the census figures using data from a post-enumeration survey. This debate was partly technical and partly political, as adjustments could affect the allocation of congressional seats and political representation.

What was the Supreme Court's ruling in 1999 regarding the use of adjusted census figures for apportionment?

In 1999, the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that the U.S. Constitution prohibits the use of adjusted census figures for apportionment purposes. However, the Court indicated that adjusted figures might be permissible for other uses where feasible.

What were the two main ways Utah challenged the results of the 2000 census?

Utah challenged the 2000 census results in two primary ways: first, by arguing that people traveling abroad as religious missionaries should be counted as residents, and second, by alleging that the statistical methods used for computing state populations were improper.

How did Utah's claim regarding religious missionaries affect its congressional seat allocation?

Utah narrowly missed gaining a fourth congressional seat by 857 people, with the seat ultimately going to North Carolina. Utah argued that if its missionaries serving abroad had been counted as residents, it would have received the seat instead, potentially impacting the political balance due to the higher number of Utah-based missionaries compared to North Carolina's.

What was the outcome of Utah's legal challenges concerning the 2000 census results?

Both of Utah's legal challenges were ultimately unsuccessful. The Supreme Court affirmed the lower court's ruling rejecting Utah's claim regarding the counting of missionaries abroad, and a subsequent challenge to the imputation methods used in the census also failed.

Did the 2000 census forms directly ask about sexual orientation?

No, the 2000 census forms did not include direct questions about sexual orientation. This made it impossible to compile specific data comparing heterosexual and homosexual populations.

How did the 2000 census allow for the counting of same-sex partnerships?

The census forms asked for the sex of each person in a household and their relationship to the head of household. Respondents could indicate 'Husband/wife' or 'unmarried partner,' which allowed for the identification of same-sex couples.

How many same-sex couples heading households were reported in the 2000 census?

The 2000 census reported over 658,000 same-sex couples heading households in the United States. Specifically, there were 336,001 same-sex male couples and 329,522 same-sex female couples counted.

What was the Census Bureau's 'allocation' method, and how did it affect same-sex couple data?

The 'allocation' method was a computer processing technique used by the Census Bureau to correct errors and discrepancies in questionnaires. Forms indicating same-sex couples marked as 'Husband/wife' were typically changed to 'unmarried partner,' and in a small percentage of cases, sex or age data was altered, potentially obscuring the nature of the relationship due to the Defense of Marriage Act.

What was the impact of the 'allocation' method on data for same-sex married couples?

The 'allocation' process, by reclassifying same-sex couples who marked 'Husband/wife' as 'unmarried partners,' resulted in a loss of information for social scientists studying the stability and characteristics of same-gender couples who identified as married.

What was the approximate population of the District of Columbia in the 2000 census?

The District of Columbia had a population of 572,059 in the 2000 census. This represented a decrease of 5.7% from its 1990 population.

What was the population of the U.S. state with the highest percentage population growth between 1990 and 2000?

Nevada had the highest percentage population growth, increasing by 66.3% from 1,201,833 in 1990 to 1,998,257 in 2000. This rapid expansion reflects significant in-migration and economic development.

What was the population of the U.S. state with the lowest numeric population growth between 1990 and 2000?

North Dakota had the lowest numeric population growth, adding only 3,400 residents between 1990 and 2000, bringing its total to 642,200. This minimal increase indicates very slow population change in the state during that decade.

What percentage of the U.S. population was of Black or African American descent according to the 2000 census?

The 2000 census reported that 12.3% of the U.S. population was of Black or African American descent. This demographic group represented the second-largest racial category after White respondents.

What was the primary reason for the controversy surrounding the use of sampling in the 2000 census?

The controversy stemmed from the debate over whether to adjust census counts based on statistical sampling methods, which the Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional for apportionment purposes. This debate involved technical accuracy and potential political impacts on representation.

What was the population of the U.S. state with the highest percentage population growth between 1990 and 2000?

Nevada experienced the highest percentage population growth, increasing by 66.3% from 1,201,833 in 1990 to 1,998,257 in 2000. This rapid expansion reflects significant in-migration and economic development.

What was the population of the U.S. state with the lowest numeric population growth between 1990 and 2000?

North Dakota had the lowest numeric population growth, adding only 3,400 residents between 1990 and 2000, bringing its total to 642,200. This minimal increase indicates very slow population change in the state during that decade.

2000 United States Census Wiki: Counting America: The 2000 Census Unveiled

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Census Overview

The Twenty-Second Count

The 2000 United States census, conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, determined the resident population of the United States on April 1, 2000. The official count was 281,421,906, representing a 13.2% increase from the 1990 census.^[1] This marked the twenty-second federal census and was, at the time, the largest civilly administered peacetime effort in U.S. history.^[2]

Data Collection Methods

For the 2000 census, approximately 16% of households received the "long form," which contained over 100 questions. This was the final census to utilize the long form; subsequent detailed data collection was transitioned to the American Community Survey (ACS) starting with the 2010 census.^[3] Comprehensive documentation and microdata are accessible through resources like the Integrated Public Use Microdata Series (IPUMS) and the National Historical Geographic Information System (NHGIS).^[4]

Population Milestones

The 2000 census recorded significant population milestones for individual states. California became the first state to surpass 30 million residents, while both California and Texas exceeded 20 million residents for the first time.^[1]

Data Availability & Access

Microdata Access

Microdata, which contains detailed information about individual responses (though anonymized), is publicly available through the Integrated Public Use Microdata Series (IPUMS). This allows researchers to conduct detailed analyses of the 2000 census data.^[4]

Aggregate Data

Aggregate data, summarized for small geographic areas, along with electronic boundary files, can be accessed via the National Historical Geographic Information System (NHGIS). This is useful for mapping and spatial analysis.^[4]

Confidentiality

Personally identifiable information collected during the census is kept confidential for 72 years. This ensures the privacy of respondents, with public access to detailed individual records only becoming available in 2072.^[4]

State Population Rankings

Top States by Population

The 2000 census revealed significant population shifts. California led the nation with over 33.8 million residents, followed by Texas and New York. The table below details the population and percentage change for the top states compared to the 1990 census.

Rank	State	Population (2000)	Population (1990)	Change	Percent Change
1	California	33,871,648	29,760,021	4,111,627	13.8%
2	Texas	20,851,820	16,986,510	3,865,510	22.8%
3	New York	18,976,457	17,990,455	986,002	5.5%
4	Florida	15,982,378	12,937,926	3,044,452	23.5%
5	Illinois	12,419,293	11,430,602	988,691	8.6%

(Full table available via expandable section)

Major Cities

Urban Population Centers

The census also tracked population data for major cities. New York City remained the most populous city, with over 8 million residents. Other major urban centers included Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and Philadelphia.^[6]

Rank	City	State	Population	Region
1	New York	NY	8,008,278	Northeast
2	Los Angeles	CA	3,694,820	West
3	Chicago	IL	2,896,016	Midwest
4	Houston	TX	1,953,631	South
5	Philadelphia	PA	1,517,550	Northeast

(Data reflects the top 5 cities; the full list is extensive.)

Demographic Profile

Ethnic and Racial Composition

The 2000 census provided insights into the nation's diverse population:

75% identified as White/Caucasian only.
Hispanics constituted 12.5% of the population, a notable increase from 1990.
German ancestry was reported by 12.4% of respondents.
Black or African American individuals represented 12.3%.
Asian Americans comprised 3.6%.
The census first allowed reporting of multiple races, with 2.4% identifying as multiracial.^[7]

Age and Household Trends

Significant demographic shifts were observed:

The population aged 45-54 grew by 49%, and those 85+ increased by 38% between 1990 and 2000.
Women constituted a two-to-one majority among those aged 85 and older.
Families remained the dominant household structure, though their proportion decreased slightly.
Median household incomes rose for both families and non-families since 1993.
Married-couple families exhibited the lowest poverty rates.
Nearly one in five adults reported a disability in 1997, with prevalence increasing with age.^[8]

Technology Adoption

The census highlighted increasing technological integration into American life:

51% of U.S. households had access to computers.
42% of households reported having internet access.^[8]

Regional Population Shifts

Growth Patterns

Population growth was unevenly distributed across the country. The South and West regions experienced the most substantial increases, adding approximately 14.8 million and 10.4 million residents, respectively. The Northeast saw growth of about 2.8 million, while the Midwest grew by nearly 4.7 million.^[1]

Center of Population

These regional shifts caused the mean center of the U.S. population to move westward and southward, settling in Phelps County, Missouri.^[1]

Reapportionment & Representation

Apportioning the House

Census data is constitutionally mandated for reapportioning the 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives among the states. Each representative serves approximately 647,000 constituents based on the 2000 census figures. The District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, lacking voting representation, are excluded from this apportionment calculation.^[1]

Historical Context

Since the first census in 1790, the decennial count has been fundamental to the U.S. representative government. The total number of representatives was fixed at 435 by law in 1911, meaning each representative now serves a significantly larger constituency than in earlier censuses.^[1]

Census Controversies

Data Adjustment Debate

Leading up to the 2000 census, significant debate occurred regarding the use of statistical adjustments based on post-enumeration surveys. While the Supreme Court ruled against using adjusted figures for apportionment, the controversy highlighted political and technical challenges in accurately counting the population.^[9]^[10] The Census Bureau ultimately recommended using unadjusted results due to timing issues.^[11]

Utah's Seat Dispute

Utah challenged its census count, narrowly missing out on an additional congressional seat allocated to North Carolina. Utah argued that the exclusion of military personnel and federal employees serving abroad, particularly Mormon missionaries, unfairly impacted its representation. The Supreme Court ultimately upheld the Census Bureau's methodology, rejecting Utah's claim.^[12]^[13]^[14]^[15]

Gay and Lesbian Data

The census forms did not directly ask about sexual orientation. However, questions about household relationships allowed for the tabulation of same-sex couples. The Census Bureau reported over 658,000 same-sex couples. Due to data processing methods, particularly concerning the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), many same-sex "husband/wife" entries were reclassified as "unmarried partners," potentially obscuring data on marital status and limiting analysis for social scientists and policymakers.^[16]^[17]^[18]^[19]^[20]^[21]

Further Resources

Primary Sources

Access detailed information and historical data directly from official sources:

U.S. Census Bureau Official Website
Integrated Public Use Microdata Series (IPUMS)
National Historical Geographic Information System (NHGIS)

Constitutional Basis

Understand the constitutional foundation for the census:

U.S. Constitution, Article I, Section 2 (regarding enumeration and apportionment).

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "2000 United States Census" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about 2000_united_states_census while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

2019–20 duke blue devils men's basketball team

representative democracy

References

Jayson, Sharon. "'Colorblind' Generation Doesn't Blink at interracial Relationships". USA Today. February 7, 2006: n.p. SIRS Researcher. Web. October 25, 2010.

A full list of references for this article are available at the 2000 United States census Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not official government information. The data presented here is a summary and interpretation of the source material. For official and definitive data, please consult the U.S. Census Bureau directly.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Counting America: The 2000 Census Unveiled

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Census Overview ℹ️

🔢 The Twenty-Second Count

📝 Data Collection Methods

📍 Population Milestones

Data Availability & Access 🔗

💾 Microdata Access

📊 Aggregate Data

🔒 Confidentiality

State Population Rankings 🏛️

📈 Top States by Population

Major Cities 🏙️

📍 Urban Population Centers

Demographic Profile 👥

🌐 Ethnic and Racial Composition

⏳ Age and Household Trends

💻 Technology Adoption

Regional Population Shifts 🗺️

➡️ Growth Patterns

📍 Center of Population

Reapportionment & Representation ⚖️

🏛️ Apportioning the House

📜 Historical Context

Census Controversies ❓

⚖️ Data Adjustment Debate

⛰️ Utah's Seat Dispute

🏳️‍🌈 Gay and Lesbian Data

Further Resources 📚

📖 Primary Sources

🏛️ Constitutional Basis

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Census Overview

The Twenty-Second Count

Data Collection Methods

Population Milestones

Data Availability & Access

Microdata Access

Aggregate Data

Confidentiality

State Population Rankings

Top States by Population

Major Cities

Urban Population Centers

Demographic Profile

Ethnic and Racial Composition

Age and Household Trends

Technology Adoption

Regional Population Shifts

Growth Patterns

Center of Population

Reapportionment & Representation

Apportioning the House

Historical Context

Census Controversies

Data Adjustment Debate

Utah's Seat Dispute

Gay and Lesbian Data

Further Resources

Primary Sources

Constitutional Basis

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice