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193 LearnersLast updated on September 9, 2025
Census
Two important methods of data collection are census and sampling. The census is the process of collecting, analyzing, evaluating, representing, and publishing the data of a population, which is known as the census. In this topic, we will be learning more about the census.
What is Census?
The method of collecting data from a population is known as a census. The process of calculating, collecting, and recording data or data of a given population is the census. Censuses are widely used to collect data on global and national populations, agriculture, education, business, etc., and they provide comprehensive and detailed information about the population based on certain characteristics. To know more about the 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 is suitable
- When the population size is small, it makes the population manageable and counting easier
- When the population is diverse, it helps to collect data when there are significant differences among the population groups and required data
- When detailed analysis is needed as it helps in-depth examination of various characteristics
- When high accuracy is required as it gives precise and reliable data
Difference between Census vs 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 the 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 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-world applications of Census
In various aspects of society, governance, and business we use census. Let's see a few real-world applications of the census.
- For government planning and policymaking to allocate education, health, and infrastructure, we use the census. As it helps to determine where to build the public infrastructure based on the population growth.
- Companies use the census to identify potential markets, customer demographics, etc.
- In healthy care, the census is used to plan vaccination campaigns or disease prevention strategies.
- To determine the education programming, new schools, and the performance of the students and teachers we use census.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in Census
Students usually make errors when working on the census and tend to repeat it. So let’s learn a few common mistakes and ways to avoid them in the census.
Mistake 1
Misunderstanding the purpose of the census
Students tend to think that the census is about counting people and 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 based on the census.
Mistake 2
Using the outdated census data
Using old census data will lead to inaccuracy, because the changes are common in the population. So it is important to refer to the year of publishing before referring to it. Try to use the recent census for the 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. So to avoid it, they need to understand that even strict data collection also has limitations, so try to cross-check the additional sources.
Mistake 4
Confusing with census and sample
Students mix up the concept of census and sample, as they think they are the same. Even if both the census and sample are the methods of collecting data, in the census the data is collected for the whole population whereas in the 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 in 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 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
The city had a population of 500,000 people, which increased to 525,000 people 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 525000–500000 = 25000
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 is, 2000000
The number of households is, 50000
So, the average household size = 2000000 / 500000 = 4
So, the average household size is 4 persons 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 = 60000
Number of females = 55000
The gender ratio = (60000 / 55000) × 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 terms?
The literacy rate = 72%
Explanation
The literate population = 7200
The total population = 10000
The literacy rate = (7200 / 10000) × 100 = 72%
FAQs on Census
1.What is a census?
2.Why is a census important?
3.What type of information is collected during the 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!
