Federal Statistical Data for U.S. Territories: Issues and Resources

The United States has plenary authority over five major territories: American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI). Among other distinctions from the 50 states and the District of Columbia (DC), the territories have less comprehensive coverage in federal statistics. Federal statistics provide authoritative information on a wide range of topics and are used by governments, the private sector, and the public. Many federal programs are guided by data published in federal statistical products. While some federal statistics include coverage of the territories, the territories are not covered in the same detail as the 50 states and DC. Most federal statistical products available for the states are not produced for the territories, while others are published less frequently. Certain factors limit federal agencies’ abilities to include U.S. territories in their statistical programs. Factors detailed in this report include limitations in statute and rulemaking for information collection activities in the territories, operational challenges to survey design and conduct, costs to implement statistical products in the territories, and existing territory capacities to carry out statistical surveys. Some Members of Congress have shown interest in considering the issue of federal statistical coverage of the U.S. territories. For example, during the 118th Congress, the House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs held a hearing titled Examining GAO’s Findings to Address Data Gaps and Improve Data Collection in the Territories. During this hearing, some Members expressed interest in expanding federal statistical activities in the U.S. territories. Congress has also asked the U.S. Census Bureau to study data gaps in Puerto Rico, which is the most populous of the five territories. Congress might choose to consider several issues when examining the adequacy of federal statistics in the U.S. territories, including the existing capacities of the federal statistical system, the funding levels necessary to maintain or expand these capacities, how to effectively conduct surveys in the territories while considering sample sizes and response burden, and questions of equity raised by differing treatment of citizens and nationals who live in the territories compared with those who live in the 50 states and DC. This report’s Appendix contains a resource guide with information on how to access available statistics for each territory. Surveys and other programs are organized by the territory and agency conducting the statistical activities.