Census data site tips for October: search smarter, map any block, and seven September data releases

The U.S. Census Bureau's October 2026 newsletter for data.census.gov, the Bureau's main site for finding its survey and economic data, went out Oct. 5. Here is what's new and useful for anyone who looks up local numbers on population, income, business or government.

Easier to find: You can now get to data.census.gov directly from the census.gov homepage. The Bureau says 41% of data.census.gov users in September arrived through census.gov, and it is asking people to update their bookmarks to census.gov. Start here: https://www.census.gov/ or go straight to https://data.census.gov/ .

Search tip of the month: Use the single search bar for a quick statistic or to look up one table ID, and you can stack keywords, such as "Poverty in Arizona" or an industry code plus a year plus a place, like "711, 2012, All counties in Arizona." Use the filters for complex searches; the Bureau says most detailed population groups and geographies with complicated names can only be reached through filters. Guidance: https://www.census.gov/data/what-is-data-census-gov/guidance-for-data-users/frequently-asked-questions/how-do-I-get-started-with-my-search.html

Two new video tutorials: How to Create a Map from Scratch Using data.census.gov ( https://www.census.gov/library/video/2026/adrm/how-to-create-a-map-from-scratch-using-data-census-gov.html ) and How to Find a Geography Using Maps on data.census.gov ( https://www.census.gov/library/video/2026/adrm/how-to-find-a-geography-using-maps-on-data-census-gov.html ). The second one helps when you need numbers for a specific spot, such as a single census block, but don't know its block number. In other words, you can finally find your block without knowing your block's ID number, which is more than most of us can say about our neighbors.

Data released in September: 2024 Nonemployer Statistics (Sept. 29); Public Sector: Government Organization (Sept. 24); the 2026 Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic (March) Supplement and the 2025 Survey of Income and Program Participation (both Sept. 17); the August 2026 Current Population Survey Basic Monthly (Sept. 10); and 2024 Annual Integrated Economic Survey summary statistics and sector-specific statistics (Sept. 3). Full list: https://www.census.gov/data/what-is-data-census-gov/latest-releases.html

Help shape the site: The Bureau is recruiting both beginner and experienced data users for a virtual, 60-minute usability study. You qualify if you use or analyze data now or have in the past, or if you use data.census.gov or other statistics sites. The sign-up form is linked in the newsletter, and questions go to ced.cedsci.usability.list@census.gov. Libraries, small-business advisers and local governments can also request a free data training at ced.cedsci.outreach@census.gov. Learning resources: https://www.census.gov/data/what-is-data-census-gov.html

This Notice Nearby publisher-desk brief is based on the Census Bureau's Data.census.gov Newsletter for October 2026, emailed to publisher@noticenearby.com on Oct. 5, 2026 (public copy: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USCENSUS/bulletins/42e0e6d ). Links were checked on census.gov. It is not a legal notice and not Legal Publication. Photo: the U.S. Census Bureau headquarters in Suitland, Maryland, 2007, by the U.S. Census Bureau, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped and resized).