1970, 1972, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1999, 2005/2006, 2013, 2019
The Census of Jails (COJ) is the Bureau of Justice Statistics’ primary data collection on local jails. From 1970 to 2024, the COJ was conducted every 5 to 6 years, collecting data from about 2,900 local jails and federal detention facilities to produce state- and national-level statistics on jail populations and facilities. The COJ provides detailed information on inmate characteristics—including sex, race, Hispanic origin, citizenship, juvenile status, conviction status, and holds for other jurisdictions—as well as counts of admissions, releases, and average daily population. It also collects data on facility characteristics such as capacity, staffing, and programs, with certain topics rotated across years to reduce burden. As the only collection that enumerates all local jails, the COJ serves as the sampling frame for BJS’s other jail surveys, including the Annual Survey of Jails, the Survey of Inmates in Local Jails, and the National Inmate Survey. Beginning in 2024, the COJ transitioned to an annual collection to provide more timely state-level statistics.
The universe for the Census of Jails (COJ) includes all local jails—city, county, regional, and private facilities—and Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) detention facilities that function as jails. Facilities that hold only juveniles are excluded, as are temporary holding facilities unless they are part of a general jail. In addition, the COJ excludes jails in Indian country, which are covered by BJS’s Survey of Jails in Indian Country, and detention facilities in seven states that operate combined prison–jail systems (Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Rhode Island, Vermont, and West Virginia), which are covered by BJS’s Census of State and Federal Adult Correctional Facilities and National Prisoner Statistics program. However, 14 locally operated Alaskan jails are included in the COJ universe.
From 1970 through 2024, BJS conducted the COJ every 5 to 6 years. Beginning in 2024, the collection transitioned to an annual schedule to provide more timely state-level data. The COJ is administered as a web-based survey, with RTI International serving as the data collection agent. The response rate for the 2024 collection was 94%.
Multi-Jurisdiction Facility (CJ-3B)
Private Facility (CJ-3C)
In Indian Country (CJ-3D)
Annual Summary on Inmates Under Jail Jurisdiction CJ-9A
Jails Report Series: 2024 Preliminary Data Release
Correctional Populations in the United States, 2023 – Statistical Tables
Jails Report Series: Preliminary Data Release (2023)
Correctional Populations in the United States, 2022 – Statistical Tables
Jail Inmates in 2023 – Statistical Tables
Jail Inmates in 2022 – Statistical Tables
Juveniles Incarcerated in U.S. Adult Jails and Prisons, 2002–2021
Opioid Use Disorder Screening and Treatment in Local Jails, 2019
Jail Inmates in 2021 – Statistical Tables
Correctional Populations in the United States, 2020 – Statistical Tables
Jail Inmates in 2020 – Statistical Tables
Census of Jails, 2005–2019 – Statistical Tables
Correctional Populations in the United States, 2019 – Statistical Tables
Jail Inmates in 2019
Impact of COVID-19 on the Local Jail Population, January-June 2020
Jail Inmates in 2018
Correctional Populations in the United States, 2016
American Indian and Alaska Natives in Local Jails, 1999-2014
Correctional Populations in the United States, 2015
Correctional Populations in the United States, 2014
Census of Jails: Population Changes, 1999–2013
Correctional Populations in the United States, 2013
Census of Jail Facilities, 2006
Jail staff, by occupational category, midyear 1983, 1988, 1993, and 1999
The number of inmates per jail employee, by occupational category and region, midyear 1983, 1988, 1993, and 1999
Census of Jails, 1999
Correctional Populations in the United States, 1997
Criminal Justice Resources - 90 Most Populous Counties
Jails and Jail Inmates, 1993-94
Census of Local Jails, 1988, Volume IV: Data for Individual Jails in the South
Census of Local Jails, 1988: Volume V. Data for Individual Jails in the West
Census of Local Jails, 1988, Volume II: Data for Individual Jails in the Northeast
Census of Local Jails, 1988, Volume III: Data for Individual Jails in the Midwest
Correctional Populations in the United States, 1988
Census of Local Jails, 1988: Volume I, Selected Findings, Methodology and Summary Tables
Census of Local Jails, 1988
Correctional Populations in the United States, 1987
Census of Local Jails, 1983: Vol. I. The Northeast Data for Individual Jails
Census of Local Jails, 1983: Vol. II. The Midwest Data for Individual Jails
Census of Local Jails, 1983: Vol. III. The South: Data for Individual Jails
Census of Local Jails, 1983: Vol. IV. The West: Data for Individual Jails
Census of Local Jails, 1983: Volume V. Selected Findings Methodology and Summary Tables
Correctional Populations in the United States, 1985
Jail Inmates, 1985
1983 Jail Census
Jail Inmates, 1982
Census of Jails, 1978, Volume 2 - Data for Individual Jails in the North Central Region
Census of Jails, 1978, Volume 1 - Data for Individual Jails in the Northeast
Census of Jails, 1978, Volume 3 - Data for Individual Jails in the South,
Census of Jails, 1978, Volume 4 Data for Individual Jails in the West
The questionnaire is modified with each iteration to capture information on evolving issues in criminal justice and topics of greatest interest to users.