Since its creation in 1945, INED has conducted many socio-demographic surveys of households and individuals. They are conducted by the INED Surveys Department, some in collaboration with INSEE or INSERM. Surveys carried out since the 1980s include:

• Couple formation, 1983-1984
  
• Family situations, 1985
• Family, work and migration event histories, 3Bis, 1988-1989
• Local family circle, 1990
• Geographical mobility and social integration of immigrants (MGIS), 1992 (with INSEE)
• Analysis of sexual behaviour in France, 1992 (with INSERM)
• Family educational support, 1992 (INSEE survey in association with INED)
• Transition to adulthood, 1993-1994
  
• Homelessness in Paris, 1994-1995
• Family situation and employment, 1994
• Outcomes of children born outside marriage, 1996-1997
• Anesthesiology and intensive care practitioners, 1998
• Family history survey, associated with the 1999 census (INSEE survey in association with INED)
• Event histories and contact circle, 2000-2001 (Paris region)
• National observatory of cystic fibrosis in France, 2000-2007
• Handicap, disability and dependence in prisons (HID-prison), 2001
• Fertility intentions (3 waves), 1998, 2001, 2003
• Survey of adoption in 10 départements, 2003-2004
• Families and employers, 2004-2005
• "Generations and Gender", an international survey whose French part has been entrusted to INED: Survey of family and intergenerational relationships (ERFI), 2005, 2008, 2011
• Context of sexuality in France, 2006
• Migrations between Africa and Europe (MAFE), 2006-2007
• Devenir après interruption de la FIV (DAIFI), 2006-2008
  
  INED has also developed demographic surveillance systems in West Africa, notably in Senegal since 1970 (Bandafassi, Mlomp), and in Mali since 1989 (Bwa people).