Census 2020 FAQ and Fact Sheets

As you may already know from some of our previous blogs, the census will be happening this year! The census is a count of every person who lives in the United States and its territories. It happens every 10 years, and helps us shape our future (Census, opens a new window).

You may be wondering: "What's in it for me?"

The answer: A lot! The census helps the government determine where to distribute money for clinics, schools, roads, and more. It also helps community leaders make decisions about building community centers, new businesses, and future planning. Your responses are even used to redraw legislative districts and determine the number of seats your state has in the U.S. House of Representatives!

You may also be wondering: "What kinds of questions will the census ask?"

You can see a sample 2020 census here, opens a new window! If you have any confusion or need clarification about what to mark for certain questions, check out the following links to fact sheets and frequently asked questions from 2020census.gov, opens a new window:

FAQ about the 2020 Census, opens a new window

General Census FAQ, opens a new window

Fact Sheets about Race and Sex:

2020 Census Snapshot for American Indians and Alaska Natives, opens a new window

African American Audiences, opens a new window

Asian American Audiences, opens a new window

Hispanic Audiences, opens a new window

Middle Eastern and North African Audiences, opens a new window

You can find out why the census asks questions about your race here, opens a new window.

You can find a fact sheet on the sex question here, opens a new window.

Fact Sheets about Families and Different Households:

Counting Kids FAQ, opens a new window

Group Housing Fact Sheet, opens a new window

Homeless Audiences, opens a new window

Military Households, opens a new window

Multigenerational Households, opens a new window

Renters, opens a new window

Property Managers, opens a new window

College Students, opens a new window

Fact Sheets for Communities:

Faith Community FAQ, opens a new window

Civic Organizations, opens a new window

Older Audiences, opens a new window

The Rural Community, opens a new window

Hispanic Partners, opens a new window

FAQs about the Process:

Responding to the Census without a Census ID, opens a new window

Responding Online, opens a new window

Fact Sheet on Accessibility, opens a new window

Confidentiality, opens a new window

Why the Census Asks Certain Questions, opens a new window