The Decennial Census and the American Community Survey (ACS)
The U.S. Census Bureau conducts the decennial Census which is a full count of our country taken every ten years, at a snapshot in time. Its strength is that it can provide accurate data for very small areas and population groups. The ACS is a continuous sample survey. ACS does not count everyone but relies on a sample of us each year to help estimate how all of us are doing.  Its strength is that it collects data on a wider variety of subjects and that it produces estimates each and every year. Please visit the U.S. Census website to learn more about the American Community Survey (ACS) or the 2010 Census.  To access all available Census information, visit the US Census Bureau.

The 2010 Decennial Census provides a full count of our population, age, sex, race, and homeownership as of April 1st, 2010. 2010 Census data for Dutchess County is now available.

American Community Survey 5-Year estimates provide a variety of social, demographic, economic and housing data for all geographic places. 5-year estimates are based on a sampling of the population over a 60 month time period.  5-year estimates Dutchess County municipal profiles

American Community Survey 3-Year estimates provide a variety of social, demographic, economic and housing data for areas with a population of 20,000 or more. 3-year estimates are based on a sampling of the population over a 36 month time period. In Dutchess County 3-year estimates are available for Dutchess County, Town of East Fishkill, Town of Fishkill, Town of Hyde Park, Town of Poughkeepsie, Town of Wappinger, and City of Poughkeepsie.

American Community Survey 1-Year estimates provide a variety of social, demographic, economic and housing data for areas with a population of 65,000 or more. 1-year estimates are based on a sampling of the population over a 12 month time period. In Dutchess County the data is only available for the county as a whole.

Estimates, Projections and Historical Data
The U.S. Census Bureau provides estimate of population once a year, based on birth and death rates and migration data. Projections are provided through the Poughkeepsie-Dutchess County Transportation Council. Historical data compares current Census data with historical data. The first Census was conducted in 1790. These tables will be updated as soon as the 2010 Census is released early in 2011.

2000 Census Dutchess County and Municipal Profiles
Historical Population, Dutchess County 1790-2000 (.pdf)
Historical Population by Municipality, 1900-2000 (.pdf)
Population Estimates, 1990-2009 (.pdf)
Population Growth in Dutchess and Neighboring Counties (.pdf)
Population Projections 2005-2025 (.pdf), Source:  Appendix A-1, Connections 2025

General Data
The U.S. Census Bureau conducts many other surveys in addition to the decennial Census. Below are some of the more commonly requested items. For complete access to all Census data, please visit the U.S. Census Bureau.