Responses inform where over $675 billion is distributed each year to communities nationwide for clinics, schools, roads and more. Census data gives community leaders vital information to make decisions about building community centers, opening businesses, and planning for the future.
Responding also fulfills a civic duty because it’s mandated by the U.S. Constitution. The U.S. has counted its population every 10 years since 1790. Responses are used to redraw legislative districts and determine the number of seats a state has in the U.S. House of Representatives.
In 2020, for the first time ever, the U.S. Census Bureau will accept responses online, but its still possible to respond by phone or mail if preferred. Responding should take less time than it takes to finish a morning coffee.
Strict federal law protects all census responses. It is against the law for any Census Bureau employee to disclose or publish any census information that identifies an individual.
Learn more about the 2020 Census by visiting 2020census.gov.