2020 Census

Count me in for the 2020 Census!

Once a decade, America comes together to count every resident in the United States. The census counts our population and households, providing the basis for reapportioning congressional seats, redistricting, and distributing federal funds that annually support states, counties and communities’ vital programs — impacting housing, education, transportation, employment, health care and public policy.

Getting a complete and accurate count in 2020 requires everyone's help. Individuals, businesses, community organizations, schools and others have a role to play. We all have a stake in making sure everyone is counted. Watch this short video on "What is the 2020 Census?" for an overview on the importance of completing the upcoming Census!







Why is the Census important to me?

Responding to the census is not only your civic duty; it also affects the amount of funding your community receives, how your community plans for the future, and your representation in government. Specifically, data from the 2020 Census are used to: 

  • Ensure public services and funding for schools, hospitals, and fire departments.
  • Plan new homes and businesses and improve neighborhoods.
  • Determine how many seats your state is allocated in the House of Representatives.
When will the Census begin?

Beginning in mid-March 2020, people will receive a notice in the mail to complete the 2020 Census. Once you receive it, you can respond online. In May, the U.S. Census Bureau will begin following up in person with households that haven’t responded to the census.

What information will be collected?

The census will collect basic information about the people living in your household. When completing the census, you should count everyone who is living in your household on April 1, 2020.

Will my information be kept confidential?

Strict federal law protects your census responses. It is against the law for any Census Bureau employee to disclose or publish any census information that identifies an individual. Census Bureau employees take a lifelong pledge of confidentiality to handle data responsibly and keep respondents’ information private. The penalty for wrongful disclosure is a fine of up to $250,000 or imprisonment for up to 5 years, or both. No law enforcement agency (not the DHS, ICE, FBI, or CIA) can access or use your personal information at any time. Data collected can only be used for statistical purposes that help inform important decisions, including how much federal funding your community receives. The Census Bureau has a robust cyber-security program that incorporates industry best practices and federal security standards for encrypting data.

Where do I go for more information?

You can learn more about the 2020 Census by visiting 2020census.gov.