1. Home
  2. Issues

2020 Census

The 2020 Census counted every person living in the United States and the five U.S. territories. The count 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 count is mandated by the Constitution and conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, a nonpartisan government agency. Each home received an invitation to respond to a short questionnaire—online, by phone, or by mail. This marked the first time that everyone could respond to the census online.

A Look Back at the 2020 Census

Related Issues
Population statistics

Related Content

While We Are Home, We Can Still Come Together: Respond to the 2020 Census Today

Blog
U.S. Census Bureau Graphic of United States for 2020 Census
Getting a complete and accurate count in 2020 requires everyone's help. And there are many ways for individuals, businesses, community organizations, and others to play a part. The U.S. Constitution mandates a census of the population every 10 years. Responding to the 2020 Census is easy, safe and important, and is key to shaping the future of communities. Census statistics are used to determine...
2020 Census

Census Bureau Statement on Modifying 2020 Census Operations to Make Sure College Students are Counted

Blog
U.S. Census 2020
Census Bureau also announces updates to special operations, assistance program and early nonresponse followup The U.S. Census Bureau continues to carefully monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and follow the guidance of federal, state and local health authorities. We are adjusting some operations as outlined below with two key principles in mind: protecting the health and safety of our...
2020 Census

Statement from Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross on the 2020 Census and COVID-19

Press releases
The U.S. Census Bureau is carefully monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and will fulfill our obligation to deliver the 2020 Census counts to the President of the United States. It has never been easier to respond on your own, whether online, over the phone or by mail—all without having to meet a census taker. To date, over 2 million households have already responded online, and the...
2020 Census

America's Veterans Encouraged to Raise Awareness and Apply for Census 2020 Jobs

Blog
U.S. Census Bureau Graphic on 2020 Census Jobs
To our Nation’s Veterans: Throughout our history, you have rallied time and again to protect and serve your family, neighbors, and friends. Your leadership, patriotism, and entrepreneurship exemplify the American spirit. As Article I Section II of the Constitution directs, every 10 years, we conduct a census to determine representation in Congress. Think of it as a national roll call. The next...
2020 Census
Jobs

Over 99% of all U.S. Households Can Respond to the Census Online or by Phone in 59 Non-English Languages

Blog
U.S. Census Bureau Graphic on 2020 Census Non-English Language Support
As invitations to respond to the 2020 Census begin hitting mailboxes this week, the U.S. Census Bureau wants you to know you can respond in more languages than ever before. In fact, over 99% of the nation’s households will be able to respond to the once-a-decade population count online or by phone in the language they speak at home. “By giving households the option to respond online or by phone in...
2020 Census

Invitations to Respond to the 2020 Census to Arrive in Mailboxes Across the U.S. from March 12-20

Blog
2020 Census logo
Ninety-five percent or about 143 million households in the country will receive an initial invitation to respond to the 2020 Census in their mailboxes between March 12 and 20. The U.S. Census Bureau released informational copies today of the invitations, the enclosed materials, and the subsequent reminders households will receive. These materials can help the public know what to expect and avoid...
2020 Census

U.S. Census Bureau Reaches Ambitious 2020 Census Community Partner Goal Ahead of Schedule

Blog
Census partners are vital to ensuring a complete and accurate count.
U.S. Census Bureau Director Dr. Steven Dillingham recently announced that the 2020 Census Community Partnership and Engagement Program (CPEP) has reached its goal of 300,000 partnering organizations nationwide. Community partners include government, community based organizations, local businesses, schools, Faith-based institutions and more. "Community partners for the 2020 Census are critical...
2020 Census
America's Data Agency

Census Bureau Reaches Highest Recruiting Goals, Begins Selections for Census Takers

Blog
The U.S. Census Bureau is beginning its selection process to hire up to 500,000 census takers for the 2020 Census.
The U.S. Census Bureau is beginning its selection process to hire up to 500,000 census takers for the 2020 Census. “America has answered the call, and is ready to answer the 2020 Census,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “With unemployment rates at historic lows, recruiting is a big challenge. I congratulate our recruitment staff, and our community partners for recruiting more than 2.6...
2020 Census
America's Data Agency

Opening Statement by Secretary Wilbur L. Ross in Support of the Department of Commerce’s Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Request

Speeches
Chairman Moran, Ranking Member Shaheen, and members of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee, thank you for this opportunity to discuss President Trump’s Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Request for the U.S. Department of Commerce. It is a privilege to appear before you today. We are committed to working with you to grow the U.S. economy, defend our industries from unfair foreign competition, and protect...
2020 Census
Export and investment promotion
Investing in communities and workers
Space commerce
Trade enforcement
Weather and satellites
President's Budget