Census 2020

WHAT IS THE CENSUS?

Every ten (10) years, the federal government counts everyone in the U.S. once, and only once, in the right place. The census asks questions that provide a snapshot of the country. Census results affect your voice in government, how much funding your community receives, and how your community plans for the future.

When you fill out the census, you help:

Determine how many seats your state gets in Congress
Redraw ward and precinct lines
Guide how more than $675 billion in federal funding is distributed to states and communities each year.
Create jobs, provide housing, prepare for emergencies, and build schools, roads, and hospitals

WHAT’S NEW FOR 2020?

Historically, the census has relied on paper questionnaires and temporary field staff going door-to-door in neighborhoods and communities to count the population. The 2020 Census is the first time that the census will offer an online option. All households will have a choice to participate by phone or using a paper form.

TIMELINE

March 2020	April 1, 2020	May 2020
Census postcards will be mailed to most homes. Letters with information on how to take the survey online as well as reminder letters to non-respondents will also be sent in March.	Census Day is observed nationwide. By this date, every home will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. When you respond to the census, you tell the Census Bureau where you live as of April 1, 2020.	The Census Bureau begins visiting homes that haven’t responded to the 2020 Census to make sure everyone is counted.