The 2020 Census at a Glance
Counting everyone once, only once, and in the right place.
General 2020 Census Information
The U.S. Census Bureau is the federal government’s largest statistical
agency. We are dedicated to providing current facts and
figures about America’s people, places, and economy. Federal law
protects the confidentiality
of all individual responses the Census
Bureau collects.
The U.S. Constitution requires that each decade we take a count—
or a census—of America’s population.
The census provides vital information for you and your community.
•• It determines how many representatives each state gets
in Congress and is used to redraw district boundaries.
Redistricting counts are sent to the states by March 31, 2021.
•• Communities rely on census statistics to plan for a variety of
resident needs including new roads, schools, and emergency
services.
•• Businesses use census data to determine where to open places
to shop.
Each year, the federal government distributes hundreds of billions
of dollars to states and communities based on Census Bureau data.
In 2020, we will implement new technology to make it easier than
ever to respond to the census. For the first time, you will be able
to respond online, by phone, as well as by mail. We will use data
that the public has already provided to reduce followup visits.
And, we are building an accurate address list and automating our
field operations—all while keeping your information confidential
and safe.
Join the 2020 Census Team
Click here for more information about joining the 2020 CensusTeam.
