Census Facts

Link to the above images here: https://www.census.gov/partners/2020.html

Census 2020 Info VDO [Shareable Link: https://youtu.be/Eq-FMB4epyw]

What is a Census and why is it important?

Once a decade, America comes together to count every resident in the United States, creating national awareness of the importance of the census and its valuable statistics. The decennial census was first taken in 1790, as mandated by the Constitution. It counts our population and households, providing the basis for reapportioning congressional seats, redistricting, and distributing more than $675 billion in federal funds annually to support states, counties and communities’ vital programs — impacting housing, education, transportation, employment, health care and public policy.

How the Census Benefits your Community

Federal funds, grants and support to states, counties and communities are based on population totals and breakdowns by sex, age, race and other factors. Your community benefits the most when the census counts everyone. People in your community use census data in all kinds of ways, such as these:

Residents use the census to support community initiatives involving legislation, quality-of-life and consumer advocacy.

Businesses use Census Bureau data to decide where to build factories, offices and stores, and these create jobs.

Local government officials use the census to ensure public safety and plan new schools and hospitals.

Real estate developers and city planners use the census to plan new homes and improve neighborhoods.

• 2020 Census advertising campaign begins in early 2020
• March 16-23 – USCB Mailing #1 sent to homes
• March 20-27 – USCB Mailing #2 sent to non-respondents
• March 30-April 6 – USCB Mailing #3 – a postcard – sent to non-respondents
• March – USCB Service-based enumeration begins (for transitory locations like RV parks and campgrounds, tent cities, marinas, hotels)
• March – USCB Group quarters enumeration begins (for those living in group quarters like dorms, nursing homes, etc. and for the homeless)
• April 1, 2020 – NATIONAL CENSUS DAY!
• Early April-Late July – USCB Non-response follow-up (NRFU)
• April 12-19 – USCB Mailing #4 – letter & paper questionnaire sent to those who have not yet responded
• April 23-30 – USCB Mailing #5 – It’s not too late! postcard
• CCCs urge households who do not respond to cooperate with census takers