The U.S. Constitution requires that each decade a count—or a census—be taken of America’s population. 

The census provides vital information for you and your community.

• It determines how many representatives each state gets in Congress.

• 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 help provide more local jobs and places to shop.

Each year, the federal government distributes hundreds of billions of dollars to states and communities based on U.S. Census Bureau data. 

In 2020, new technology will make it easier than ever to respond to the census. For the first time, you will be able to respond online, by phone, or by mail. Census materials should be received by mid-March.

Listed below are some great tools and resources to encourage and promote the Census in your communities:

U.S. Census website

2020 Census Toolkit for State and Local Officials

Census-at-a-Glance

How Census Data is Used

Measuring America

FAQ's of the General Public

Confidentiality Fact Sheet

Sample Census Form