YOU COUNT.
GET COUNTED.
Starting in March, everyone living in the United States will be asked to complete the 2020 Census. It’s a simple, safe survey that counts the people who live and sleep in your home. It’s important to include all children living with you on April 1—even if they are not related.
When you complete the Census, you help shape the future for yourself, your family, and your community for the next 10 years. Counting everyone makes sure your community gets its share of billions of dollars for education, health care, housing, transportation, and other programs that serve your family. Census results also determine representation in Congress, so completing the Census helps make sure your community has power and a voice in government decisions.
How to Get Counted
- Complete the Census form that will arrive in the mail at your residence in mid-March. You can return the form by mail, or complete the Census by phone or online. It takes just 10 minutes.
- Count everyone who lives or sleeps at your house most of the time as of April 1, 2020, regardless of their citizenship. You should include:
- All children who live in your home, including foster children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and the children of friends (even if they are living with you temporarily).
- Children who split their time between homes, if they are living with you on April 1, 2020.
- Newborn babies, even those who are born on April 1, 2020, or who are still in the hospital on this date.
- Non-relatives who are staying with you and do not have a permanent residence elsewhere. If you are not sure who to list on your form, please see Who to Count.
- Answer simple questions about how many people live in your home and the age, sex, and race of each person. The Census will not ask about citizenship.
- If you don’t receive a form, Census Bureau workers will visit neighborhoods to distribute materials and gather information from residences that have not completed the Census. Submit your information in April to avoid a visit to your home. Census Day, April 1, is a great day to do it.
- Tell everyone in your community to complete their 2020 Census form, too.
Be assured that your Census information will be kept safe. Strict laws preserve the privacy of Census data. The Census Bureau cannot share your answers and personal information with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or any other agency.