There are a number of differences between the 1990 and 2000 census questionnaires. In general, only subjects that had specific federal legislative justification were recommended for Census 2000, leading to the elimination of some items and the inclusion of one new subject. Other changes were made to reduce respondent burden or clarify the questions. Additionally, the questionnaire was made more readable and "user friendly". Some highlights follow below.
The question on marital status has been moved from the short-form, where it was asked of all persons, to the long-form where it will be asked on a sample basis. Additionally, four housing topics have been moved from the short-form to the long-form-type of structure, value of home (for owner-occupied units), monthly rent (for renter-occupied units), and number of rooms in unit. Several housing topics, which were previously on the long-form, have been deleted altogether, including source of water, type of sewage disposal and condominium status. The topic regarding fertility (number of children ever born) was also dropped and the question on year last worked was shortened. A new question about the status of grandparents as care-givers was added to the Census 2000 long-form.
The broad racial groups for Census 2000 are White; Black, African American or Negro; American Indian or Alaska Native; Asian; Pacific Islander; and Some Other Race (for those who do not identify with one of the above groups). This delineation is similar to the 1990 breakdown. However, Census 2000 will mark the first time respondents will be allowed to indicate if they belong to more than one race. This multiple-race response is in keeping with new directives from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and signifies a major break with previous censuses, where individuals were asked to choose one racial group. It will most certainly have an impact on comparability with past data.
Also, the "umbrella" category of "Asian or Pacific Islander" that appeared on the 1990 questionnaire over a list of individual Asian and Pacific Islander groups has been removed. In 2000, separate Asian groups will be listed in one column next to a column of separate Pacific Islander groups, with no "umbrella" heading. Respondents may write in an Asian or Pacific Islander group if the appropriate group is not listed. American Indians are also requested to write in their principal tribe or tribe in which they are enrolled.
In 1990 the question on Hispanic origin followed the race question and queries on age and marital status. According to Census Bureau definitions, the concept of Hispanic origin is one of ancestry, nationality group, family lineage, ethnicity, or country of birth rather than race. Thus, persons of Hispanic origin can be of any race. Although distinct from race, many respondents view Hispanic ethnicity and race as related concepts. As an attempt to ensure a more complete response, while keeping the two concepts separate, the Hispanic origin question has been repositioned on the Census 2000 questionnaire to come just before the query on race and the respondent is expressly instructed to answer both questions. In addition, the wording has been changed so that the question now asks if the person is Spanish/Hispanic/Latino. In 1990 it asked if the person was of Spanish/Hispanic origin. The respondent can check no if they are not Spanish/Hispanic/Latino or indicate that they identify with one of the following four groups: 1) Mexican, Mexican American, Chicano; 2) Puerto Rican; 3) Cuban; or 4) other Spanish/Hispanic/Latino. If they choose other Spanish/Hispanic/Latino, they are asked to write in the group.
The questions on disability have been reworded and expanded for Census 2000. Respondents will now be allowed to indicate if they have a vision or hearing impairment; a condition that affects their ability to walk, lift, carry or reach; or if they suffer from an impairment affecting learning, remembering or concentration. Income questions will allow for more delineation of the public assistance category, breaking out Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from all other types of welfare payments. The school enrollment question has been expanded to clarify current enrollment status and minor changes have been incorporated into questions about relationship to householder, vehicles available and home value.