Urban Policy and the Census helps researchers and policy analysts gain an integrated understanding of census data and other relevant policy data sources, their strengths and limitations, and how best to use this data in policy research. Researchers will be able to critically assess decennial census and the American Community Survey data, which can be the starting point for spatial analysis for realistic policy planning and decision-making. The book shows that evidence-based policy is effective only when the evidence is sound and used appropriately. It provides guidance for analyzing demographic and social trends, economic trends, housing circumstances, and transportation issues.