This US Census provides population numbers, household or family size and composition, and information on sex and age distribution. It also includes information about home ownership, housing conditions, commuting methods, citizenship, and housing expenses.

In the 1980 Census two small surveys were conducted within the census including the Components of Inventory Change Survey, that collected information on changes in counts, and characteristics of the housing between 1973 and 1980; and the Residential Finance Survey, that requested information on morgages, housing costs, housing characteristics, and owner characteristics. Mail-in surveys were used in 95.5% of the population.