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U.S. Census Data API boundary

Official-source access, authentication, request-shaping, paging, freshness, legal, and interpretation boundaries for U.S. Census Data API.

version 1.0.1freshness currentobserved 2026-09-27T02:06:00.127Z

resource.public-data.us-census-data-api
sha256:4dafb75def6da3943107e968dce0bc645ac5eec63ec02b3a13b7ff02c38af62a

Open canonical machine JSON →

Evidence-backed facts

  1. Census developer guidance distinguishes the Data API, Microdata API and machine-readable discovery service. The Data API overview associates statistical data with a reference year and geographic area; it does not establish complete or current coverage for every dataset. informative
  2. The Census Bureau announcement dated May 11, 2026 requires an API key for all data queries. Older keyless-query allowances must not be treated as current access permission. No key was created or tested in this review; keep credentials out of public examples and logs. informative
  3. The current guide constructs queries from dataset, year or time-series path, get variables, applicable predicates, geography and API key. It describes a two-dimensional JSON array with a header row. CSV export is a subsequent conversion, not evidence of a native CSV API response. Variables and geographic availability depend on dataset and year. informative
  4. Examples describe statistical estimates, including ACS margins of error. An API response is not proof of complete coverage, cross-year comparability, individual-level disclosure clearance or government endorsement; it is not permission to process sensitive data or assume redistribution rights. Live datasets and license terms were not tested or reassessed. informative