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 Esri Location Data to learn more about using advanced demographics.
Census data is updated every 10 years and represents a complete count of the population. Census demographics are point estimates, representing April 1 of the census year.
Data supplied by the U.S. Census Bureau consists of a Demographic and Housing Characteristics (DHC) file, which 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 key 2010 and 2000 census data.
Release dates
- For Puerto Rico, the Census 2020 advanced demographics dataset was updated in June 2024; the vintages are 2020 and 2010 (a merged dataset).
- For the United States, the Census 2020 advanced demographics dataset was updated in June 2024, the vintage is 2020.
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 vs. 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 healthcare 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 in order 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:
- 2024 Puerto Rico Census (2020) release notes (PDF).
- 2024 Esri U.S. Demographics release notes (PDF).
- 2020 Puerto Rico Census Profile sample report (PDF).
- 2020 United States Census Profile sample report (PDF).
- 2020 Esri Census Methodology Statement (ArcGIS StoryMaps); a PDF is also available.
- Get started with U.S. Updated Demographics—Part 2: Lifestyle and behavioral data (ArcGIS StoryMaps tutorial).
Variable lists
Refer to the following variable lists:
- 2024 Puerto Rico Census variable list (CSV).
- 2024-2029 Esri U.S. Data Catalog (XLS).
- 2023 Puerto Rico Census variable list (CSV).
- 2023–2028 Esri U.S. Data Catalog (XLS).
- 2020 Esri Census Data Variable List (PDF)
- 2010 Esri Census Data in 2020 Geography Variable List (PDF).
- 2000 Esri Census Data in 2020 Geography Variable List (PDF).
- 2010 Esri Census Data Variable List (PDF).
- 2000 Esri Census Data Variable List (PDF).
- 2010 PCT Esri Census Data Variable List (PDF).
Note:
- For information about reports, see Esri Reports.
- For information about purchasing Esri datasets as stand-alone content, contact datasales@esri.com.
- For information about the number of credits needed to run reports, see the Credits by capability topic or the ArcGIS Location Platform Pricing topic (scroll to Business Search, Infographics, and Reports).