2000 United States Census facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Twenty-second Census of the United States
U.S. Census Bureau Seal
General information
Date taken	April 1, 2000
Total U.S. population	281,421,906
Percent change	13.2%
Most populous state	California 33,871,648
Least populous state	Wyoming 493,782
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The Twenty-Second United States Census, also known as Census 2000, was a huge project to count everyone living in the United States. It was done by the Census Bureau, which is a part of the U.S. government. This important count happened on April 1, 2000.

The Census 2000 found that there were 281,421,906 people in the United States. This was a big jump of 13.2% from the 248,709,873 people counted ten years earlier in the 1990 Census. This census was the twenty-second time the federal government had done such a count. It was also the biggest non-military effort ever done in U.S. history!

What is the US Census?

A census is like a giant survey that counts every person in a country. The U.S. Constitution says that a census must be done every ten years. This helps the government understand how many people live in different areas.

Why is the Census Important?

Counting everyone is super important for many reasons. It helps decide how many representatives each state gets in the U.S. Congress. It also helps local governments plan for schools, hospitals, roads, and other services. Knowing where people live and how many there are helps make sure communities have what they need.

How the 2000 Census Worked

For the Census 2000, most households received a short form with just a few basic questions. This made it easy for most people to fill out.

Short and Long Forms

While most people got a short form, about 16 percent of households received a "long form." This long form had over 100 questions! It asked for more detailed information about families, housing, and jobs. The long form helped the government gather more specific facts about the American population.

Key Facts from the 2000 Census

The Census 2000 showed some interesting facts about the U.S. population:

• The total population was 281,421,906 people.
• This was a 13.2% increase from the 1990 Census.
• California was the state with the most people, having 33,871,648 residents.
• Wyoming was the state with the fewest people, with 493,782 residents.

The information collected helps us understand how the country is growing and changing.

Images for kids

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  A map showing the population change of each US State by percentage.

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See also

In Spanish: Censo de los Estados Unidos de 2000 para niños