TL;DR
- The Housing Department is located northwest on Streets, accessible via the Scav arch near Pinewood Hotel
- Four random spawn points exist on the first floor for the black census journal
- Rewards include 6,900 EXP, reputation gains, and valuable medical supplies
- Strategic approach reduces risk from Scav patrols and PMC threats
- Complete this early quest for significant Therapist standing improvement
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Escape from Tarkov’s patch 0.13 introduced the Population Census quest, presenting players with a challenging objective to locate a crucial document within the dangerous Streets of Tarkov environment. This task requires finding a comprehensive resident registry housed at the Housing Department building, offering substantial rewards for successful completion. Understanding the mechanics and strategic approach to this quest significantly enhances your survival chances and progression efficiency.
As one of the early-game quests available after the wipe, Population Census serves as an excellent introduction to the Streets of Tarkov map layout while providing valuable resources for your ongoing campaign. The quest’s straightforward nature belies the tactical considerations necessary for safe execution in this high-traffic combat zone.
The Housing Department building occupies the northwestern sector of Streets of Tarkov, specifically situated within the courtyard accessible by passing beneath the distinctive Scav arch directly across from Pinewood Hotel. This architectural landmark provides clear visual orientation, though reaching the objective requires careful navigation through contested territory.
Access presents the initial challenge, as the primary entrance remains permanently barricaded, forcing alternative routing around the structure’s perimeter. The left flank offers viable passage while the right approach remains obstructed, creating predictable movement patterns that experienced players can exploit. Exercise extreme caution throughout this area due to concentrated Scav patrols and frequent PMC activity around this key location.
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The objective item is a compact black journal containing the city’s residential registry, distributed across four predetermined spawn positions exclusively on the building’s ground level. These locations follow a random selection algorithm, ensuring each raid presents unique search challenges while maintaining consistent spawn logic.
Methodical room clearing proves essential, as the journal often spawns in partially obscured positions on desks, shelves, or filing cabinets. Avoid rushing the search process, as thorough investigation of each potential spawn area significantly increases success probability while reducing time exposure to hostile elements.
- +6,900 EXP
- Therapist reputation +0.02
- 35,000 Roubles
- 2x Medical tools
- 2x Salewa first aid kit
Beyond the immediate material compensation, completing Population Census delivers substantial progression advantages through Therapist reputation enhancement, unlocking access to improved medical supplies and quest lines. The experience points contribute significantly to early level advancement, while the monetary reward funds essential equipment purchases.
The medical supplies obtained prove invaluable for subsequent raids, reducing healing item acquisition costs and enhancing survival capability. Consider this quest a foundational building block for your long-term Tarkov campaign success.
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Action Checklist
- Navigate to northwest Streets using Scav arch near Pinewood Hotel as landmark
- Approach Housing Department via left perimeter route, avoiding blocked right side
- Systematically search all four ground floor spawn locations for black journal
- Extract immediately after journal acquisition to minimize combat risk
No reproduction without permission：Game Guides » Population Census quest guide Escape from Tarkov. Where to find the journal on Streets, task location walkthrough Complete guide to finding the Population Census journal on Streets of Tarkov with strategic tips and rewards