Census 2020 - Census 101: What You Need To Know
Census 2020 - Census 101: What You Need To Know
The Census Bureau will begin inviting people to participate in the 2020 Census in March of 2020. The 2020 Census is closer than you think! Here’s a quick refresher of what it is and why it’s essential that everyone is counted.
2020 CENSUS
Census 101: What You Need To Know
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.