The Census Bureau’s goal for the 2020 Census is to “Count everyone once, only once, and in the right place.”
Get the Facts
The United States Constitution requires a count every 10 years of every person
who is residing in the U.S., regardless of immigration status or citizenship.
Census results help determine how billions of dollars in federal funding flow into states and communities each year. The census can shape many different aspects of your community.
It determines representation in Congress and the Electoral College, and the data is used to draw districts for federal, state, and local offices.
A complete count determines the allocation of billions of dollars in federal funding to states (LSTA grant, Pell grants, Medicare, funding for social service agencies, etc.)
Importance of The Data
Take The Census Online
The 2020 Census questionnaire will take about 10 minutes to complete. It’s safe, secure, and confidential. Your information and privacy are protected.
*In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the U.S. Census Bureau is adapting or delaying some of its operations to protect the health and safety of staff and the public. Click here for more information.
Why Your Answers Matter
The 2020 Census counts the population in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands). Census data is widely used by researchers, libraries, governments, and businesses.
How The 2020 Census Will Invite Everyone to Respond
For the first time in United States history, the forthcoming Census will offer an online option to respond. Every household will have the option to respond online, by mail, or by phone. Nearly every household will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census from either a postal worker or a census worker.
Questions You Will Be Asked on the 2020 Census
The 2020 Census is easy. You will answer a simple questionnaire about yourself and everyone who is living with you on April 1, 2020.
The 2020 Census Will Never Ask Certain Questions
Your Social Security number
Money or donations
Anything on behalf of a political party
Your bank or credit card account numbers
Safety & Security
Your responses to the 2020 Census are protected by by law. The Census Bureau uses your information for statistical purposes only. Whether you respond online, by phone, by mail, or if a census employee comes to your door, your information is collected and kept secure throughout the process.
Avoid Fraud & Scams
The U.S. Census Bureau is committed to making the 2020 Census quick, easy, and safe for all participants.
2020 Census Jobs
The U.S. Census Bureau continues to accept applications for temporary part-time positions with the 2020 Census.
Response Rates
Are you curious about how many people in your community are responding to the 2020 Census? Stay up to date with a map of self-response rates from across the United States. Try the Census Response Rate Tracker .