The usefulness of the 1980 Census for planning in postsecondary education, and specifically in California, was assessed. Attention is directed to the use of past census data by higher education planners as well as the development of the 1980 Census. The geographic subunits covered by the 1980 Census that may be of use to postsecondary education planners are also covered, along with differences between the 1970 and 1980 Census data items. Additional topics include the following: the limitations of 1980 Census data for postsecondary planning, including its timeliness and usefulness; the potential use of census data in analyzing issues and problems addressed by the California Postsecondary Education Commission in its 1982-1987 five-year plan; and additional sources of data beyond the 1980 Census for postsecondary education planning. It is proposed that the Commission take greater leadership in expanding its own databases from a variety of federal and state sources and that it make data about trends available to California postsecondary planners and leaders. Appendices include the 1980 Census questionnaire, a glossary of geographic terms, a list of publications and computer tapes about the 1980 Census, a bibliography, and an excerpt from an article about complete count questionnaire changes, 1970 to 1980. (SW)