About the 2020 Census
Every 10 years, the U.S. Census Bureau attempts to count every person in the United States. From newborn children to the elders in our community, each person counts. Unlike past counts, the 2020 Census will be the first to rely heavily on online responses. Every household will have the option of responding online, by mail, or by phone.
More than just counting people, the Census has repercussions that last a decade at a time. The Census decides what vital programs are funded, where county lines should be drawn, and how many political representatives each county and city gets.
Why the Census Matters
There’s a lot at stake in the 2020 Census and our communities can’t afford an undercount. Essential services rely on federal funding that is based on the information collected during the Census.
Be Counted
By April 1, 2020, every home will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. You will have three options for responding:
- Online.
- By phone.
- By mail.
In mid-March, households will begin receiving official Census Bureau mail with detailed information on how to respond to the 2020 Census.
Census FAQs
Get answers to some of your burning questions about the Census.
Census Resources
Find information, fact sheets, California’s Hard-to-Count map, and more on our Census Resource page.