Census 2020 - Know it Exists
Everyone counts
The census counts every person living in the U.S. once, only once, and in the right place
It's about fair representation
Every 10 years, the results of the census are used to reapportion the House of Representatives, determining how many seats each state gets.
It's in the Constitution
The U.S. Constitution mandates that everyone in the country be counted every 10 years. The first census was in 1790.
It's about $675 billion
The distribution of more than $675 billion in federal funds, grants and support to states, counties and communities are based on census data. That money is spent on schools, hospitals, roads, public works and other vital programs.
It's about redistricting
After each decade's census, state officials redraw the boundaries of the congressional and state legislative districts in their states to account for population shifts.
Taking part is your civic duty
Completing the census is mandatory: it's a way to participate in our democracy and say "I COUNT!"