Authored by George M. Cook, Performing the Duties of the Director of the U.S. Census Bureau
Right now, the U.S. Census Bureau is gearing up for the 2030 Census. This once-a-decade count of everyone living in the United States is critical to cities across America, giving them valuable data about their communities and informing how federal funds are distributed.
A successful census depends on a complete and accurate address list. The Census Bureau uses this list to reach every household — it’s a key part of our goal to count everyone once, only once and in the right place.
One critical component of developing and maintaining an accurate address list is the Local Update of Census Addresses, known as LUCA. It’s a partnership between the Census Bureau and eligible governments that have an opportunity to review the Census Address List and recommend additions, deletions or corrections to residential address locations.
States, counties, tribes, incorporated places and minor civil divisions (such as townships) may all participate in LUCA. Participation is voluntary but helps us develop a more complete and accurate address list, which in turn supports a more complete and accurate 2030 Census — and that helps cities plan for their future.
It’s Now Even Easier to Participate in LUCA
As we prepare for the 2030 LUCA, we’ve made several changes to make it even easier for governments to participate. Here’s what’s new:
- You can access Census Address Count Listing Files before LUCA starts. These files provide insight into how the Census Bureau is keeping up with address changes in your city. Early access gives you additional time to review resources and gather the information you need to review before you submit changes to the addresses in your jurisdiction.
- LUCA participation will be digital only. All 2030 LUCA materials will be available electronically — reducing paper, improving accuracy and simplifying communication.
- We have improved tools to help you participate in LUCA. New resources include an address-matching service, web-based tools that eliminate the need to download software and a secure portal to facilitate communication and registration.
- You will have more time to submit changes to the Census Address List. We’ve extended the review period from four months in the 2020 LUCA to up to six months in the 2030 LUCA.
- We’re emphasizing using a coverage-based and data-driven review approach. A coverage-based review will focus on determining if the Census Address List has the correct number of addresses, and if those addresses are in the correct location. This approach lets governments take a consistent, systematic approach to reviewing their addresses and providing updates, and maximizes LUCA’s value to them (and us!).
Your City Can Prepare Now
The next phase of LUCA begins in mid-2027 when eligible governments will receive materials about this operation, along with an invitation to set up accounts and register. They will also be able to conduct block level address count comparisons and have the option to practice an address-level review.
But even before the 2030 LUCA officially starts, it’s not too early to start preparing. Here are some steps your city can take this year:
- Review your Address Count Listing Files. If the address counts for your jurisdiction don’t meet expectations in specific blocks, you might decide to devote more time and resources to LUCA. If they do meet expectations, you may not need to request the Census Address List to conduct further review (PDF).
- Update your address list — or create one. You can identify existing available local address sources such as building permits, E-911 address files, local utility records, annexation records or taxation files which could be used in LUCA. Community-based organizations can also be a resource to identify any missing or hidden housing. Your address list should include location information, such as latitude and longitude.
- Make your address data publicly available. The Census Bureau uses a variety of sources to maintain the address list. Consider publishing address data in the National Address Database and sharing address and parcel data online.
- Explore resources that may be available to support you in the LUCA process. Some governments lack the time or resources to conduct a thorough analysis of address data. Consider collaborating with your county, state, state data center or regional planning agency. Funding is not available from the Census Bureau, but it may be available from other sources.
LUCA is a key step cities can take to prepare for a complete and accurate census. We look forward to working with you to ensure everyone in your community is counted in the right place.
To learn more about LUCA, please visit the 2030 LUCA website. You can also find out more about our preparations for the 2030 Census.
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