What Is the 2020 Census?
The 2020 Census counts every person living in the United States and five U.S. territories.
The count is mandated by the Constitution and conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, a nonpartisan government agency. Each home will receive an invitation in the mail to respond to a short questionnaire—online, by phone, or by mail—between March 12-20.
When we all respond,
we all benefit.
When everyone is counted in the 2020 Census, our communities get the funding they need for things like health care, education, emergency services, and more.
Why is the census important?
The census provides critical data that lawmakers, business owners, teachers, and many others use to provide daily services, products, and support for you and your community.
Residents
Residents use the census to support community initiatives involving legislation, quality-of-life and consumer advocacy.
Local Government
Local government officials use the census to ensure public safety and plan new schools and hospitals.
Businesses
Businesses use census bureau data to decide where to build factories, offices, and stores, and these create jobs.
Federal Funding
Census data determine how more than $675 billion are spent, supporting your state, county and community’s vital programs.
Everyone Counts
The census counts every person living in the U.S. once, only once, and in the right place.
Fill out the form for everyone in your household, including children, grandparents, non-relatives, and roommates.
Safe and Confidential
Federal law protects your census responses. Your answers can only be used to produce statistics.
By law, the information you provide can’t be shared with immigration enforcement agencies, law enforcement agencies, or allow it to be used to determine your eligibility for government benefits.
3 Ways to Respond
By Mail
Every household will receive a paper form in the mail to complete the 2020 census.
Learn more
Language Support
The official Census Bureau website offers resources in 59 non-English languages.
See Non-English Resources