We have a machine-readable dataset discovery service. Visit our Discovery Tool page to learn more.

In alignment with the Digital Government Strategy, the Census Bureau is offering the public wider access to key U.S. statistics. The Census application programming interface (API) lets developers create custom apps to reach new users and makes key demographic, socio-economic and housing statistics more accessible than ever before. The Census Bureau’s API allows developers to design web and mobile apps to explore or learn more about America's changing population and economy.

The API lets developers customize Census Bureau statistics into web or mobile apps that provide users quick and easy access from an every increasing pool of publicly available datasets (see Data Sets for more information).More data sets will be added over time.

Currently available statistics provide key demographic and economic information on the nation, it's neighborhoods and areas in between. These data are currently used to distribute around $400 B in Federal, State and local funds in ways that help communities plan for schools, social and emergency services, highway improvements and economic developments.

Developers could use the statistics available through this API to create apps that:

• Show commuting patterns for every city in America.
• Display the latest numbers on owners and renters in a neighborhood someone may want to live in.
• Provide a local government a range of socioeconomic statistics on its population.

We highly encourage developers to sign up for updates via our newsletter and report bugs, request features and share your ideas through the Census Bureau’s Developers Forum. Additionally, this developer portal includes an “App Gallery” where the public can view some of the apps that have already been created.

With the release of this API and other upcoming forward-looking online communications improvements, the Census Bureau is meeting the goals of the President's digital strategy to make information more transparent and customer-centered.

Please note: The API does not include any information that could identify an individual; such information is kept strictly confidential by law. The API only uses statistics that the Census Bureau has already released publicly and in aggregate form.