Accuracy of French census population estimates

Abstract

The French population census method evolved in the early 2000s. Few studies have been published on the quality of the population estimates produced by this new method, apart from a few observing sample variance resulting from the introduction of a survey in large municipalities. However, the French census is subject to numerous quality controls throughout the process: development of a housing register, preparation of the collection, the collection itself and the post-collection, adjustment and estimation operations. The extensive involvement of stakeholders (municipalities and INSEE) in the preparation and conduct of the census leads to a very good understanding of the process. The many checks carried out throughout the process guarantee that the estimates produced are of a high quality. In addition, the census benefits from a very low non-response rate (3.9% in 2019). However, some features are not yet well known. Although many instructions are included in questionnaires, the answers given by enumerated persons are imperfect due to misunderstandings, an inability to adapt questions to real-life situations, or deliberately incorrect answers.