Millions Missing from Global Census Data, Threatening Policy Accuracy

Millions Missing from Global Census Data, Threatening Policy Accuracy
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Researchers warn that millions worldwide are missing from census and survey data, creating a “quiet crisis” that hampers effective policymaking, science website SciTechDaily reported. Declining response rates and data reliability raise concerns over accurate population counts. A recent study by the University of Southampton and Columbia University highlights disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, declining public trust, and reduced international funding for censuses.

Cuts to foreign aid by countries like the USA and UK are expected to worsen the problem. Accurate census data are essential for allocating resources such as hospitals and schools, especially during emergencies like disease outbreaks. Yet, global census coverage is declining, with many countries failing to publish recent results.

Post-census surveys show significant undercounts, including a 2.9 million Latino population gap in the 2020 US Census and up to 31% undercount in South Africa’s 2022 census. The UN estimates one in three Africans went uncounted in the last round. Distrust of governments and fears over data misuse also reduce participation. Meanwhile, funding cuts to key survey programs have further weakened data collection efforts.

Researchers advocate combining new technologies like AI with efforts to rebuild public trust and international cooperation, stressing that accurate population data is vital infrastructure for fair governance and societal resilience.