Federal funds, grants, and support to states, counties, and communities are based on population totals and breakdowns by sex, age, race, and other factors. Your community benefits the most when the census counts everyone. People in your community use census data in all kinds of ways, for instance:
Residents use the census
Residents use census statistics to support community initiatives involving law-making, quality-of-life, and the interests of the public
Businesses use the census
Companies use Census Bureau data to decide where to build factories, offices, and stores, which in turn creates jobs and benefits the local economy.
Local government officials use the census
Local government officials use census data to ensure that adequate funding is disbursed to where it is needed the most, in areas ranging from roads to health care to education.
City planners use the census
City planners use the data from the census to assist in the development of new homes and parks, as well as in determining how to improve transportation links, public services, and the environment.
The next census is coming in 2020. Counting an increasingly diverse and growing population is a massive undertaking. It requires years of planning and the support of thousands of people.
Ultimately, the success of the census depends on the participation of everyone.
The 2020 Census is essential for you and your community, and you can help.
The 2020 Census faces significant concerns never faced in a previous census. For the first time ever, the Census will be completed online. While this does allow for ease of response for those with internet access, there are significant portions of the population without reliable access to the internet or broadband. This year, a question regarding citizenship has also been proposed, leading to fear that answering truthfully could result in deportation. The inclusion of this question will be heard at the Supreme Court in mid-April. However, it’s important to note that your response is entirely confidential. It’s against the law for the Census Bureau to publicly release your responses in any way that could identify you or your household. No law enforcement agency (not the DHS, ICE, FBI, or CIA) can access or use your personal information at any time.
The 2020 Census will determine how more than $675 billion in federal government resources will be distributed to states and localities for the next decade.
The U.S. Census Bureau opens 248 area census offices across the country. These offices support and manage the census takers who work all over the country to conduct the census.
Census takers begin visiting areas that have experienced a lot of change and growth to ensure that the Census Bureau's address list is up to date. This is called address canvassing, and it helps to ensure that everyone receives an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census.
The Census Bureau begins counting the population in remote Alaska.
Census Day is observed nationwide. By this date, every home will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. Once the invitation arrives, you should respond for your home in one of three ways: online, by phone, or by mail. When you respond to the census, you tell the Census Bureau where you live as of April 1, 2020.
Census takers begin visiting college students who live on campus, people living in senior centers, and others who live among large groups of people. Census takers also begin conducting quality check interviews to help ensure an accurate count.
The Census Bureau begins visiting homes that haven't responded to the 2020 Census to make sure everyone is counted.
The Census Bureau delivers apportionment counts to the President and Congress as required by law.
By this date, the Census Bureau will send redistricting counts to states. This information is used to redraw legislative districts based on population changes.
