Census Bureau Announces Transition to New Longitudinal Design for Household Pulse Survey

SEPT. 16, 2024 - The U.S. Census Bureau today announced Phase 4.2 will be the final phase of the Household Pulse Survey (HPS) using current methodology. Plans are to transition the HPS to a new longitudinal design. In collaboration with multiple federal agencies, the Census Bureau launched the HPS in April 2020 to measure the social and economic impact of COVID-19 in near real-time to inform federal and state action. While these data have proven valuable, the Census Bureau seeks to mature the HPS in a manner that reduces burden and enables measurement of change over time -- while preserving its agility and value to the data user community.

Beginning in October, HPS will transition to a longitudinal design that will continue to address the need for timely data and ensure long-term sustainability. In January 2025, HPS will be relaunched as the Household Trends and Outlook Pulse Survey (HTOPS), utilizing a panel design comparable to surveys like the Survey of Income and Program Participation. This design will be more efficient, less burdensome and provide longitudinal measures that the current HPS does not. In addition to continuing the tradition of the HPS in meeting emergent data needs in near real-time, the HTOPS will provide a platform for conducting research in support of the Decennial Census such as the Census Barriers, Attitudes and Motivators Survey (CBAMS) as well as household survey programs.

The Census Bureau is set to release final data from Phase 4.2 of Household Pulse Survey October 3. HPS results are available on our website via the Household Pulse Survey Interactive Tool, detailed tables and a public-use data file. For more information about the new panel survey, visit blog.

No news release associated with this announcement. Tip sheet only.

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