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U.S. Census 2020: Home

An overview of the 2020 Census

About the Census

The 2020 Census counts every person living in the United States and five U.S. territories--once, only once, and in the right place. This census is conducted every 10 years by the U.S. Census Bureau, a nonpartisan government agency. The results of the census determine your congressional representation as well as federal funding for states and communities. Every year, more than $675 billion goes toward hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and more. It's also mandated by the Constitution: The United States has counted its population every 10 years since 1790. If you live in the United States, you are required by law to participate in the 2020 count. 
(2020census.gov)

Census 2020

United States Census 2020

Learn More

Learn more about the Census at 
https://2020census.gov/en

Timeline & Important Dates

  • January – March 2019: The U.S. Census Bureau opens 39 area census offices. These offices open early to support Address Canvassing.

  • June – September 2019: The Census Bureau opens the remaining 209 area census offices. The offices support and manage the census takers who work all over the country to conduct the census.

  • August 2019: The Census Bureau conducts in-field address canvassing. Census takers visit areas that have added or lost housing in recent years to ensure that the Census Bureau's address list is up to date.

  • January 2020: The Census Bureau begins counting the population in remote Alaska.

  • April 1, 2020: Census Day is observed nationwide. By this date, households will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. You'll then have three options for responding: online, by mail, or by phone.

  • April 2020: Census takers begin following up with households around selected colleges and universities. Census takers also begin conducting quality check interviews.

  • May 2020: The Census Bureau begins following up with households that have not responded.

  • December 2020: The Census Bureau delivers apportionment counts to the president.

How to Safely Participate in the Census during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Census Bureau is closely monitoring COVID-19 and the health, safety, and well-being of our staff and public is our top priority.

The 2020 Census is underway and the most important thing you can do is respond online, by phone, or by mail when you receive your Census "Invitation to Respond." Responding now will minimize the need for the Census Bureau to send census takers out into communities to follow up. Please check this page for regular updates.

Shape Your Future

How to Participate in the Census

How the 2020 Census will invite everyone to respond (page 1)

Countdown to Census Day

Exploring Census Data

Census Jobs

Earn extra income while helping your community. The U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting thousands of people across the country to assist with the 2020 Census count.