2020 Census

The goal of the 2020 Census is to count everyone once, only once, and in the right place.

Ultimately, the success of the census depends on everyone’s participation. The Census Bureau relies on collaborations with organizations and individuals to ensure that everyone participates

Census Data is used in many ways

Residents use the census to support community initiatives involving legislation, quality-of-life and consumer advocacy.

Businesses use Census Bureau data to decide where to build factories, offices and stores, and these create jobs.

Local government officials use the census to ensure public safety and plan new schools and services.

Real estate developers and city planners use the census to plan new homes and improve neighborhoods.

Why Do We Take the Census?

The U.S. Constitution mandates a headcount every 10 years of everyone residing in the states and U.S. territories, including people of all ages, races, ethnic groups, citizens, and noncitizens. The census determines the number of seats each state has in the House of Representatives. States also use the totals to redraw their legislative and school districts. The population totals also affect funding in our community, and data collected in the census help decision makers know how our community is changing. City departments, public schools, and the non-profit community rely on data to design appropriate programming and services.

Approximately $675 billion in federal funding is distributed to communities each year. Every person not counted represents a loss of $2000 dollars of federal funding to a community.

What is a Hard-to-Count Population?

The Census Bureau defines Hard-to-Count populations as groups that have historically been less likely to respond to the census right away. It is extremely important that these groups are counted. Hard-to-Count populations include:

  • Children under five
  • Racial and ethnic minorities
  • Persons who do not speak fluent English
  • The poor
  • The homeless
  • Undocumented immigrants
  • Mobile individuals such as college students
  • LGBTQ persons
  • Individuals who are angry at or distrustful of the government

Your data is safe

Census data is scrubbed of personally identifiable information; the results from any census or survey are reported in statistical format only. Under Title 13 of the U.S. Code the Census Bureau is required to keep respondent information confidential. It is a felony for any Census Bureau employee to disclose any confidential census information.

For more information, visit the Census website at www.census.gov.