Are you ready for the 2020 Census?

If you haven’t already heard, 2020 Census Day is just around the corner!

On April 1, all households across the country will be asked to complete the 2020 census. What does that mean? Every 10 years, the U.S. Census Bureau conducts a nationwide count of the population. It’s mandated by the Constitution to meet some very important needs:

• First, the population count determines how many elected representatives serve our community in Congress
• Second, the population count determines how billions of federal dollars are allocated to our community:
  • Programs like road building, education, school lunches, health care, fire protection, and many more are funded by federal money, providing for our safety, security, and quality of life

Are you ready to participate? Here's everything you need to know.

In mid March homes across the country began receiving postcards providing information on how to respond to the census.

There are three ways to complete your census form:

• Most households will be invited to complete their census questionnaires online
• People that prefer the paper form may still choose that option
• Others may want to speak to a Census Bureau representative, so a phone-in option is available

No matter which option you choose, the questions will be the same. You will be asked to count everyone living under your roof, providing information such as number of people living in your home, type of housing unit, and age, race, and gender of all residents.

Things you WON’T be asked for:

• Citizenship
• Social Security number
• Money
• Political support

View the 2020 census questionnaire

Worried about privacy?

The U.S. Census Bureau is bound by law to protect your answers and keep them strictly confidential. In fact, every employee takes an oath to protect your personal information for life. Learn more about how the Census Bureau protects your privacy.

You may see census takers in your neighborhood in early April. Households that do not respond to the census will receive a follow-up visit from a Census Bureau field rep. You will know they are with the Census – they will have a photo ID and official materials. But if you have concerns, do not hesitate to contact our Regional Census Center (the Philadelphia center serves Tennessee).

Additional Concerns

The Census Bureau offers some pointers to protect you from people posing as census takers or attempting other forms of fraud. Learn more about census fraud and scam protections.

Lots of rumors have been circulating about the census over the past year. Many people still think there is “the citizenship question,” or wondering if online response is the only option, or if information is shared with law enforcement. Separate fact from fiction by visiting the Census Bureau’s Rumors page. (By the way, the answers to the above questions are no, no, and no!)

Completing the census form is easy — but don’t let that understate its importance! Your accurate responses will determine the course of elected representation and community growth for the next 10 years!

Pledge to participate, and spread the word!

Visit 2020Census.gov to learn more about how to participate in the 2020 Census!