Once every decade, the federal government conducts a census of the entire population to count everyone in the United States and record basic information about them. Our nation’s founders believed these data were so important that they mandated the decennial census in the Constitution. In 2020, for the first time ever, the U.S. Census Bureau will accept responses online. Click here to take the census.
2020 Census data informs the distribution of more than $675 billion in federal funding each year, your representation in Congress, community initiatives, libraries and more. Make sure you count everyone living in your home, including newborn babies and young children.
Looking for a job? The U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting to fill thousands of temporary positions all across the country.
What questions are on the Census?
- March 12 – 20: Households will begin receiving official Census Bureau mail with detailed information on how to respond to the 2020 Census online, by phone, or by mail.
- April 1: Census Day is observed nationwide. When you respond to the census, you’ll tell the Census Bureau where you live as of April 1, 2020.
- May – July: Census takers will begin visiting homes that haven’t responded to the 2020 Census to help make sure everyone is counted.
- December: The Census Bureau will deliver apportionment counts to the President and Congress as required by law.