What is the census?

The United States census is conducted every 10 years. The 2020 census will count every person living in the 50 states, District of Columbia and five U.S. territories.

The census is much more than a head count. It provides a picture of the country that helps determine where to build new schools, hospital and businesses; how federal funding is distributed; and how congressional seats are apportioned. It also helps evaluate how communities have changed over time. An accurate count is vital.

How do I complete the census?

The year 2020 is the first time in history that the U.S. Census Bureau will accept responses online. It’s also accessible by phone, and it’s available in English and 12 additional languages. Invitations to respond to the census will begin mid-March. The official U.S. Census Day is April 1, 2020.

By mid-April, a paper questionnaire will be mailed to every household that has not yet responded online or by phone. Participants can also respond in person beginning in mid-May, when census takers will visit all households that have not yet responded.

Census and COVID-19

The 2020 Census is underway and the most important thing you can do is respond online, by phone, or by mail when you receive your invitation. Responding now will minimize the need for the Census Bureau to send census takers out into communities to follow up. 

Census and the safety of your personal information

Strict federal law protects census responses. It is against the law for any Census Bureau employee to disclose or publish any census information that identifies an individual or business. The Census Bureau will never ask for your Social Security number, bank or credit card account numbers, money or donations.

To make sure you and everyone you know is counted, visit https://2020census.gov/