Demographic Research

As a shop that studies human behavior through surveys and other social scientific techniques, we have a good line of sight into the contradictory nature of human preferences. Here's a look at how we categorize our survey participants in ways that enhance our understanding of how people think and behave.

When we have the data to study groups of similarly aged people over time, we won’t always default to using the standard generational definitions and labels, like Gen Z, Millennials or Baby Boomers.

It can be useful to talk about generations, but generational categories are not scientifically defined and labels can lead to stereotypes and oversimplification.

An error in how the Census Bureau processed data from a national survey provided a rare window into how Brazilians living in the U.S. view their identity.

The Census Bureau has collected data on Americans’ income, race, ethnicity, housing and other things, but it has never directly asked about their religion.

The bureau is considering counting most Americans using Social Security data, IRS files and other administrative records.

The national total in the 2020 census was largely accurate, but the Census Bureau has estimated miscounts for some states and demographic groups.

The U.S. Hispanic population reached 62.1 million in 2020, an increase of 23% over the previous decade.

By 2020, the Hispanic population had reached 62.1 million out of a total U.S. population of 331.4 million.

Pew Research Center’s political typology sorts Americans into cohesive, like-minded groups based on their values, beliefs, and views about politics and the political system. Use this tool to compare the groups on some key topics and their demographics.