Esri provides a U.S. Census (2020) advanced demographics dataset for Puerto Rico and the United States sourced from data supplied by the U.S. Census Bureau. Visit Where to find ArcGIS Data to learn more about using Esri Demographics.
The U.S. Census Bureau updates U.S. census data every 10 years with information from the complete count of the population. The Census Bureau creates a Demographic and Housing Characteristics (DHC) file based on the decennial census that provides information about population, housing, age, sex, race, Hispanic origin, households and families, group quarters, housing occupancy, and tenure.
Esri augments the DHC file with information about Hispanic population by race, population age groups by race, and comparisons to previous census data (key statistics from the 2010 and 2000 censuses). Esri's Census demographics are point estimates, representing April 1 of the census year.
Note:
See the Attribute summaries section in Esri's U.S. Census Bureau data source topic to learn about the attributes in this dataset.
Release dates
- For Puerto Rico, the Census 2020 advanced demographics dataset was updated in June 2026; the vintages are 2020 and 2010 (a merged dataset).
- For the United States, the Census 2020 advanced demographics dataset was updated in June 2026; the vintage is 2020.
Methodology
See the Census 2020 methodology topic to learn how this dataset was created and is updated.
Sample questions and use cases
Esri Census 2020 data can be used to answer questions about population demographics such as age, gender, race, ethnicity, household type, family structure, and income levels within specific geographic areas like neighborhoods, cities, or counties. You will also find information about housing occupancy, housing tenure (renting versus owning), and information about specific demographic groups.
Sample questions that can be answered using Census 2020 data include the following:
- How does the population density vary across different city districts?
- What percentage of households are single-parent families?
- Where are the highest concentrations of rental units located?
- Where are the most diverse communities located?
- How does access to health care vary across different demographics?
Example use cases for Census 2020 data include the following:
 | Disaster response—Census data can be used to determine where populations are located—and their demographic composition—during emergencies to estimate aid. This data is important for regional planners and disaster response teams to appropriately allocate resources during emergencies based on known demographic data—such as finding appropriate language translators, medical or age-related care, family services, and so on. |
 | Social and economic analysis—Census data can be used to study poverty patterns, consumer behavior, and diversity in various regions. Policymakers can use this data to compare social and economic patterns in urban and rural areas. |
Related links
Refer to the following content:
- See the Related links section in the United States topic for Esri's supporting documentation.
- 2026 Variable list—ACS and Census 2020 (a merged list) (XLS)
- Census 2020 new and notable variables in 2026 (XLS)