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2020 Census starts this spring

January 23, 2020

Beginning in March 2020, every household in the United States will receive a notice to complete the 2020 Census online, by phone, or by mail. 

Every 10 years, the census counts everyone living in the United States on April 1, no matter where they are from, what language they speak, or why they are in the country. The count includes children and newborn babies, citizens and noncitizens, and temporary residents.

The census asks a handful of basic questions and will be available in many languages. From May-July 2020, census takers will visit households that have no yet responded. A census taker can assist if you need help completing your form.

Information collected in the census will inform the distribution of more than $675 billion in federal funds each year. These funds impact critical services, including education, health care, senior centers, and public transportation. Communities rely on census statistics to plan for a variety of needs, including new roads, schools, and emergency services. Businesses use census data to decide where to build factories, offices, and stores.

Your personal information is confidential and protected by law. Your responses can only be used to produce statistics and cannot be used for law enforcement purposes or to determine eligibility for government benefits.

For more information, visit 2020census.gov.

More information:

What is the 2020 Census?
Ways to Respond to the 2020 Census
2020 Census Questions Asked
View the 2020 Census timeline
Your Privacy and Security