What is the primary purpose of the U.S. Census?

The primary purpose of the U.S. Census is to count the population. Conducted every ten years, the census is a critical tool for gathering demographic data and ensuring an accurate count of individuals living in the United States. This count is essential for a variety of reasons, most notably for apportioning congressional seats among the states, which affects representation in government. Additionally, census data is vital for allocating federal funding for various programs, planning for community services, and making informed decisions at all levels of government.

While conducting national elections and managing immigration are significant aspects of government functioning, they are not the focus of the census itself. The census does provide data that can inform economic growth and development policies, but the fundamental role of the census remains the accurate enumeration of the population.