Census Bureau to Revise Survey by 2027

The U.S. Census Bureau is preparing to introduce new questions regarding sexual orientation, gender identity, and race for the American Community Survey by 2027. This includes a 'Middle Eastern or North African' category and the combination of race and ethnicity into a single question, allowing respondents to select multiple categories. Testing of these questions began in August with a focus on both online and in-person formats, aiming to refine the language and response options. These changes follow new federal standards for categorizing race and ethnicity, marking the first update in 27 years. If successful, the Bureau could implement these revisions in the next three years, with data available shortly after. The questions will only be posed to individuals aged 15 and older, reflecting a thoughtful approach to data collection.