This brief report describes data available from the Census Bureau for counties, cities, and county subdivisions (such as townships) in the United States. The principal focus is on small communities. Statistical information published only for metropolitan areas or large cities is not discussed in this document. The document describes the census and the kinds of data it collects. Only the latest final reports are considered. The document shows various types of data published and the forms in which they are available. Subjects of government census reports include population and housing; retail and wholesale trade; service, mineral and construction industries; manufactures; governments; and agriculture. The Census Bureau collects and publishes data for two kinds of small areas: Governmental (cities, congressional districts, and Indian reservations, for example); and Statistical (statistically consolidated areas, census county divisions, census designated places, ZIP codes, and other bureau divisions.) The 10-year census of population and housing is the most important source of data for small communities, with four series of reports containing the greatest detail at the county level. The bureau also has microfiche information, computer tape files, and maps which contain data relevant to small communities. The document outlines census information on agriculture, economic data, governments, the census statistical periodic publications, and census reference materials. There is also a section on locating the data and where to apply for more information. The document includes several examples of census tables. (TES)