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199 LearnersLast updated on October 7, 2025
Census
Two important methods of data collection are census and sampling. Census is a process of collecting, analyzing, evaluating, representing, and publishing the data of a population. In this topic, we will be learning more about census.
What is Census?
The method of collecting data from a population is known as census. The process of calculating, collecting, and recording data or data of a given population is census. Censuses are widely used to collect data of global and national populations, agriculture, education, business, etc. They provide comprehensive and detailed information about the population based on certain characteristics. For example, to know more about a country, we use the census of different sectors, such as education, health, life expectancy, and population.
These are the cases where the census method of collecting data are suitable:
- When the population size is small, it makes the population manageable and counting easier.
- When the population is diverse, it becomes easier to collect data. When there are significant differences among the population groups, census is used.
- We can use it when a detailed analysis is needed, as it helps in in-depth examination of various characteristics.
- When high accuracy is required, we use census as it gives precise and reliable data.
Difference Between Census and Sampling
There are two different methods of data collection: Sampling and census. Now let’s learn the difference between census and sampling.
| Census | Sampling |
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The process of collecting data from the population is called census
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In sampling, the data is collected using a selected portion of the population |
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Used when the population is small
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Used when the population is large |
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It is more accurate as it has the information of the whole population
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It is less accurate as it is based on the estimate of the entire population |
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It is time-consuming as it collects the data of a large population
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It is faster to collect data from a small group in the population |
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We use it for national statistics, policymaking, population census, and government planning
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We use it for research, market studies, and quick estimates |
Real-Life Applications of Census
In various aspects of society, governance, and business, we use census. Let's see a few real-world applications of census.
- We use census for government planning and policymaking; to allocate education, health, and infrastructure. Census helps determine where to build public infrastructure based on the population growth.
- Companies use census to identify potential markets, customer demographics, etc.
- In health care, census is used to plan vaccination campaigns or disease prevention strategies.
- In the education sector, we use census to determine the performance of students and teachers.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in Census
Students usually make errors when working on census, and they tend to repeat those mistakes. So let’s learn a few common mistakes and ways to avoid them.
Mistake 1
Misunderstanding the purpose of the census
Students tend to think that census is about counting people; they overlook its role in gathering information about social, economic data, and demographics. So to avoid this, we need to read and understand the official documents of the census.
Mistake 2
Using an outdated census data
Using old census data will lead to inaccuracy because the population keeps changing. So it is important to refer to the year of publishing before referring to it. Try to use the recent census for analysis.
Mistake 3
Thinking that the census is 100% accurate
Students think that the census is error-free, and they ignore the potential undercounts, overcounts, or reporting mistakes. They need to understand that even strict data collection also has limitations. It is best practice to cross-check with additional sources.
Mistake 4
Confusing census with sample
Students mix up the concept of census and sample, thinking they are one and the same. In census, the data is collected for the whole population, whereas in sample, the data is collected only for a group in the population.
Mistake 5
Using raw numbers instead of percentage or ratio
Representing the data as raw numbers without context can lead to errors when it comes to comparing the areas or groups of different sizes. So it is important to convert the raw data into percentage or ratio.
Solved Examples of Census
Problem 1
A hospital operates with a certain number of beds throughout the year. From January to June, it had 150 beds, and from July to December, it increased to 200 beds. The hospital provided 27,813 patient-days of service in the first six months. What was the average daily census for the first six months?
The average daily census for the first six months is 153.7 patients per day.
Explanation
The number of days in the months are:
January = 31 days
February = 28 days
March = 31 days
April = 30 days
May = 31 days
June = 30 days
So, the total number of days = 31 + 28 + 31 + 30 + 31 + 30 = 181 days.
Then the average daily census = 27813 / 181 = 153.663.
So, the average daily census for the first six months is 153.66 patients per day.
Problem 2
A city had a population of 500,000 people, which increased to 525,000 over a period of 5 years. What is the annual population growth rate?
The annual population growth rate is 1%
Explanation
The total population increase is 525,000 – 500,000 = 25,000
The population increase over 5 years is 5%
So,
Annual Growth Rate = Total Growth / Number of Years = 5% / 5 = 1%
Problem 3
A census finds 2,000,000 people living in 500,000 households. Find the average household size.
The average household size is 4 people per household
Explanation
Here, the total population = 2,000,000
Number of households = 50,000
The average household size = 2,000,000 / 500,000 = 4
So, the average household size is 4 people per household.
Problem 4
A census survey conducted in a city recorded 60,000 males and 55,000 females. What is the gender ratio of the city, expressed as the number of males per 100 females?
The gender ratio of the city is 109.1 males per 100 females
Explanation
Here, the number of males = 60,000
Number of females = 55,000
The gender ratio = (60,000 / 55,000) × 100 = 109.09
Problem 5
A village has a total population of 10,000 people, out of which 7,200 individuals are literate. What is the literacy rate of the village in percentage?
The literacy rate is 72%
Explanation
The literate population = 7200
The total population = 10000
Literacy rate = (7200 / 10000) × 100 = 72%
FAQs on Census
1.What is a census?
2.Why is census important?
3.What type of information is collected during a census?
4.What is sampling?
5.Is sampling and census the same?
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Jaipreet Kour Wazir
About the Author
Jaipreet Kour Wazir is a data wizard with over 5 years of expertise in simplifying complex data concepts. From crunching numbers to crafting insightful visualizations, she turns raw data into compelling stories. Her journey from analytics to education ref
Fun Fact
: She compares datasets to puzzle games—the more you play with them, the clearer the picture becomes!
