de jure census

A de jure census is a statistical count of a population that enumerates individuals based on their regular or legal residence, as opposed to where they are physically located at the time of the census. This method ensures that people are counted in their usual place of abode, providing a more accurate picture of residential populations.1

In contrast, a de facto census counts individuals based on their physical presence at the time of enumeration, typically where they spend the night. The distinction is important for understanding population distribution, as it can significantly differ between where people sleep (nighttime population) and where they work (daytime population). The concept of de jure is rooted in legal definitions, distinguishing legal status from actual practice.12