Everyone counts

The census counts every person living in the U.S. once, only once, and in the right place.

It’s about fair representation

Every 10 years, the results of the census are used to reapportion the House of Representatives, determining how many seats each state gets.

It’s in the constitution

The U.S. Constitution mandates that everyone in the country be counted every 10 years. The first census was in 1790.

It’s about $675 billion

The distribution of more than $675 billion in federal funds, grants and support to states, counties and communities are based on census data. That money is spent on schools, hospitals, roads, public works and other vital programs.

It’s about redistricting

After each decade’s census, state officials redraw the boundaries of the congressional and state legislative districts in their states to account for population shifts.

Taking part is your civic duty

Completing the census is mandatory: it’s a way to participate in our democracy and say “I COUNT!”

Census data are being used all around you

• Businesses use census data to decide where to build factories, offices and stores, which create jobs.
• Local governments use the census for public safety and emergency preparedness.
• Residents use the census to support community initiatives involving legislation, quality-of-life and consumer advocacy.
• Real estate developers use the census to build new homes and revitalize old neighborhoods.

Your privacy is protected

It’s against the law for the Census Bureau to publicly release your responses in any way that could identify you or your household. By law, your responses cannot be used against you and can only be used to produce statistics.

2020 will be easier than ever

In 2020, you will be able to respond to the census online.

You can help

Responding is important. A complete count helps ensure that services like Medicare, Medicaid, social security, and public transportation can support those who need them.