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

Op-Ed by Commerce Secretary Wilbur L. Ross: The Census Bureau is Not Shortchanging the Count

Op-eds
The U.S. Census Bureau is well on its way to delivering a complete and accurate 2020 Census. I am proud to oversee this essential activity which is clearly outlined in the United States Constitution. Critics claim incorrectly that the Census Bureau is shortchanging the count. This is not an accurate depiction of the current state of the 2020 Census, which is on its way to delivering a successful...
2020 Census

Remarks by Commerce Secretary Wilbur L. Ross at the Greater Houston Partnership and the Houston Regional Economic Development Alliance Virtual Roundtable

Speeches
Thank you Susan for co-hosting this teleconference with HREDA. I had planned to be in Houston with you, but the coronavirus continues to present challenges. However, we all know that when Houston confronts such obstacles, it always prevails. It last happened in August 2017, when Hurricane Harvey dumped 40 inches of rain on your city. It was the wettest storm ever to hit the United States, and it...
2020 Census
Export and investment promotion
Manufacturing
U.S. economy

Spotlight on Commerce: Hyon B. Shin, Assistant Division Chief, Survey Coordination and Disclosure Avoidance, Social, Economic, and Housing Statistics Division, U.S. Census Bureau

Blog
Hyon B. Shin, Assistant Division Chief, Survey Coordination and Disclosure Avoidance, Social, Economic, and Housing Statistics Division, U.S. Census Bureau
Guest blog post by Hyon B. Shin, Assistant Division Chief, Survey Coordination and Disclosure Avoidance, Social, Economic, and Housing Statistics Division, U.S. Census Bureau I am honored to have been chosen as an outstanding U.S Census Bureau employee as part of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. One of the most influential people in my life has been my maternal grandmother. She...
2020 Census
Spotlight on Commerce
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Spotlight on Commerce: Sara Rosario Nieves, Chief of Strategic Planning and Portfolio Management, U.S. Census Bureau

Blog
Sara Rosario Nieves, Chief of Strategic Planning and Portfolio Management, U.S. Census Bureau
Guest blog by Sara Rosario Nieves, U.S. Census Bureau, Chief of Strategic Planning and Portfolio Management While pursuing my MBA studies at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus, my primary goal was to secure a career in the private sector. However, during one of my classes, my professor suggested that we consider a career in Federal service. Somewhat intrigued I decided to apply that...
2020 Census
Spotlight on Commerce

U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and U.S. Census Bureau Director Steven Dillingham Statement on 2020 Census Operational Adjustments Due to COVID-19

Press releases
The 2020 Census is underway and more households across America are responding every day. Over 70 million households have responded to date, representing over 48% of all households in America. In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the U.S. Census Bureau is adjusting 2020 Census operations in order to: Protect the health and safety of the American public and Census Bureau employees. Implement guidance...
2020 Census

Commerce Department Offers Educational Resources for Students to Continue to Learn from Home

Blog
Virtual dive with sea lions in Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary.
Ever wanted to take a virtual tour of the ocean, learn about the role of a hurricane hunter, or collect cards on famous inventors? Are you looking to educate your students about the importance of being counted in the 2020 Census? Kids across the country are home from school and teachers and parents are looking for educational resources to help kids stay connected and continue to learn. The...
2020 Census
Economic indicators
Environmental data
Intellectual property
Population statistics
Weather and satellites
National Inventors Hall of Fame
NOAA Fisheries