United States Census 2020

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What is the 2020 Census?

The 2020 Census counts every person living in the 50 states, District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories.  The count is mandated by the Constitution (Article 1, Section 2) and is conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, a nonpartisan government agency.  Each home will receive an invitation to respond to a short questionnaire - online, by phone or by mail.

What is the Purpose of This Count?

The census provides critical data that lawmakers, business owners, teachers, and many others use to provide daily services, products and support for every community.  Billions of dollars in federal funding go to hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and other resources based on census data.

The results of the census also determine the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives, and they are used to draw congressional and state legislative districts.

Who is Required to Respond?

Everyone living in the 50 states, 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) is required by law to be counted.  If you do not respond, the U.S. Census Bureau will follow up in person to collect your response.  

The Census Bureau is also required by law to protect your answers.  The Census Bureau does not disclose any personal information.