Data.census.gov Newsletter – June 2026
API Keys Required for Census Data API Queries
API keys are now required for all Census Data API calls. The API key is a security measure that protects both the Census Bureau and you.
To help you transition smoothly, we've updated our example queries on our Developers pages, refreshed the API User Guide, and released a new video that walks you through requesting, activating and using your key.
The Census Data API User Guide provides detailed information about API keys, updated example queries, and instructions for getting started.
Question of the Month
Do I need an API key for metadata queries?
No. Based on feedback from API users, the requirement to use an API key for metadata queries has been removed. Metadata resources, such as the API Discovery Tool, can now be accessed with or without an API key.
Please note the API Keys are still required for all Census Data API data queries.
💡 Did You Know?
In May, users requested 107,804 new Census Data API keys. Sign up for your API key today!
Latest Site Updates
We’ve continued to enhance your data.census.gov experience with updates designed to make searching and navigating the site more intuitive across devices.
Improvements to the address search experience include:
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Clearer prompts indicating that a city/state or ZIP Code is required when searching by address.
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A new Search button at the bottom of the address search widget to make searches more intuitive. Users can access the address search widget directly here.
Improvements for users on mobile devices include:
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