Conducting the US census in 1800 cost 1.13 (that's $0.0113 US Dollars (USD)) cents per person. In 2010, the cost per person was $47 USD per person. No census before 1960 cost more that 75¢ US per person.
More facts about the US census:
- Besides conducting the population census, the US Census Bureau is also responsible for conducting a census of the government, an economic census, and other demographic surveys that determine where government aid is most needed.
- The first US census took place in 1790. It reported a population of about 3 million people.
- In the early 1800s, censuses were conducted by US Marshals. At the time, the census was the responsibility of the judicial branch.