The U.S. Census Bureau has announced significant updates to data.census.gov, enhancing API query generation and the Microdata Access Tool (MDAT) based on extensive user feedback. These improvements aim to streamline data access and usability for researchers and the public.
Key enhancements include the ability to generate ready-to-use API queries directly from tables and within MDAT, complete with API key integration. New banner messages in MDAT will provide important system notifications, and improved API key messaging ensures queries are preserved even if a key is missing or invalid. The Bureau noted it has received 67,274 pieces of user feedback since 2016, driving these changes.
The platform also offers new educational resources, including a video tutorial on using charts for data visualization. Users are invited to participate in virtual usability testing for a $40 incentive. Upcoming events include a webinar on finding economic data on August 27 at 2:00 p.m. ET, alongside various August workshops covering basics, advanced usage, and specific data types like American Community Survey and economic data.
Recent data releases include the 2025 and 2026 Planning Databases, State and Local Government Finances, and the June 2026 Current Population Survey Basic Monthly data. The Census Bureau continues to engage with data users at conferences and encourages feedback for ongoing platform improvements.