4 Things You Should Know About the 2020 Census

WASHINGTON, June 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Your response to the 2020 Census matters. But you may be unsure about what to expect. Why is this process so important? Does it make a difference for my family or in my community? If you're confused or simply want to know more, explore USAGov's guide of things you should know before filling out the census.

The 2020 Census is a count of everyone living in the U.S. The goal of this effort is to get an accurate count of people across all 50 states and five territories.

You can respond in multiple ways. You can complete your questionnaire online, by phone, or by mail. The 2020 Census asks a few simple questions about you and everyone who was living with you on April 1, 2020.

Data security and safety is a priority. When you respond to the census, your answers are kept anonymous. They are used only to produce statistics.The U.S. Census Bureau is bound by law to protect your answers and keep them strictly confidential. The law ensures that your private information is never published and that your answers cannot be used against you by any government agency or court.

Your response matters. The census provides critical data that lawmakers, business owners, teachers, and many others use to provide daily services, products, and support for you and your community. Every year, billions of dollars in federal funding go to hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and other resources based on census data. The results of the census also determine the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives, and they are used to draw congressional and state legislative districts.

Find out more about this year's census at 2020Census.gov. Information like tips on how to easily respond and the questions you can expect is also available in Spanish.

For important information on what to expect as you prepare to complete it, explore USAGov's section on responding to the 2020 Census.

USAGov is the official guide to the government. Our mission is to make it easier for everyone to find and understand the government services and information they need—anytime, anywhere, any way they want.

SOURCE USAGov