US Census

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What is the 2020 Census?

The 2020 Census counts the population in all 50 dates, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories – Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The count is mandated by the U.S. Constitution to take place every 10 years and is conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, a nonpartisan federal government agency. For questions or more information, please contact the U.S. Census Bureau or the Washington State Complete Count Committee.

Why does the census take place every 10 years?

Population data derived from the decennial census is used to reapportion the 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. Each state is given one seat and remaining seats are apportioned based on each of the 50 state's population share of the national total.

Once the seats are reapportioned, states will redraw congressional and legislative district boundaries during a process called redistricting. To learn more about Washington's redistricting process, click here. For questions or more information, please contact the U.S. Census Bureau or the Washington State Complete Count Committee.

Who is required to respond?

Every person living in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or one of the five U.S. territories – Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands – is required by law to be counted in the census.

The U.S. Census Bureau does not disclose personal information of respondents and is required to protect individuals' responses. For questions or more information, please contact the U.S. Census Bureau or the Washington State Complete Count Committee.

How can I participate in the 2020 Census?

Each home will receive an invitation to respond to the census questionnaire. Recipients may respond online, by phone, or by mail. Participating in the 2020 Census is required by law, even if you recently completed another survey from the U.S. Census Bureau.

View the U.S. Census Bureau's guide to the 2020 Census. For questions or more information, please contact the U.S. Census Bureau or the Washington State Complete Count Committee.

What if I move on Census Day, April 1, 2020?

You must only be counted once, in one residence. If you move into a new residence on April 1, 2020, you should count yourself and your household once at your new residence. If you move out of your old residence on April 1, 2020 but have not yet moved into your new home, you should count yourself and your household once at your old residence.

Learn more about other special circumstances. For questions or more information, please contact the U.S. Census Bureau or the Washington State Complete Count Committee.

What questions will be asked in the questionnaire?

View a sample copy of the questionnaire form. For questions or more information, please contact the U.S. Census Bureau or the Washington State Complete Count Committee.

How will census data be used?

Data derived from the 2020 Census will determine congressional representation, how federal funding is allocated, and communities in need. The results may help identify where new schools or hospitals should be located, infrastructure needs, populations in need of more services, and other important community improvements. The results will also be used to adjust or redraw electoral districts.

You can find more information about redistricting on our redistricting webpage. For questions or more information, please contact the U.S. Census Bureau or the Washington State Complete Count Committee.

I need census materials translated in a non-English language. Where can I find language support?

Visit the Language Support webpage on the U.S. Census Bureau's website. For questions or more information, please contact the U.S. Census Bureau or the Washington State Complete Count Committee.

I'm concerned I may have received a fraudulent invitation/questionnaire. What should I do?

The U.S. Census Bureau will not send unsolicited emails requesting your participation in the 2020 Census. The Census Bureau will never ask for your Social Security number, bank account or credit card numbers, or money or donations. All census takers must have a valid ID badge with their photograph, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark, and an expiration date. If you suspect a scam, call 800-923-8282 to speak to a local Census Bureau representative. For questions or more information, please contact the U.S. Census Bureau or the Washington State Complete Count Committee.

Important Dates

2020

March 12 - 20 – Households begin to receive official U.S. Census Bureau mail with information on how to respond to the 2020 Censure online, by phone or by mail.

March 30 - April 1 – The U.S. Census Bureau will count individuals who are experiencing homelessness.

April 1 –Census Day. By this date, households will have received an official invitation from the U.S. Census Bureau to participate in the 2020 Census.

May Census takers will begin visiting college campuses, senior centers, and other group living facilities.

May - July - Census takers will begin visiting homes that have not responded to the 2020 Census.

December - The U.S. Census Bureau will deliver apportionment counts to the President and Congress.

2021

March 31 - The U.S. Census Bureau will send redistricting counts to states. This information will be used the next time the state redraws legislative district boundaries during redistricting, Learn more about redistricting here.

For questions or more information, please contact the U.S. Census Bureau or the Washington State Complete Count Committee.