What is the 2020 Census?

October 03, 2019

The U.S. Census counts every resident living in the United States. It is mandated by Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution and takes place every 10 years.

Video

Video

2020 Census: What is the Census?

September 17, 2019
Video

2010 Census: The U.S. Census and the Amazing Apportionment Machine

December 08, 2010

Through animation, the U.S. Census Bureau explains how it uses the apportionment formula to ensure equal representation for all.

Fact Sheets

Census 101: What You Need to Know

The 2020 Census is closer than you think! Here’s a quick refresher of what it is and why it’s essential that everyone is counted.
The 2020 Census at a Glance

Overview of the 2020 Census. Counting everyone once, only once, and in the right place.
Road to the 2020 Census Timeline

2020 Census operational timeline.
How the 2020 Census Will Invite Everyone to Respond

Nearly every household will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census either in the mail or from a census taker.

News Releases

Census Bureau Press Briefing Marks One Year Out From Census Day

The U.S. Census Bureau provided an operational update on the status of 2020 Census operations.
Census Bureau Unveils 2020 Census Communications Campaign Platform

The U.S. Census Bureau announced its long-planned communications campaign platform: “Shape your future. START HERE.”

Related Information

Questions Asked

Planning and management information specific to the 2020 Census - timelines, cost savings, program briefings, and the 2020 Census infographic.
2020 Census press kits
Why We Conduct the Decennial Census
Census History: Overview 1790 to 2010

Learn about all the decennials from 1790 to present. Find key population stats, data, questionnaires, maps, mapping files, technical documents, news and more.
2020census.gov

The 2020 Census marked the 24th count of the U.S. population and the first time that households were invited to respond to the census online.

America Counts Stories

America Counts Story

Constitution Day and the Census

September 16, 2019

Sept. 17 is a reminder that the Founding Fathers suggested most of the original census questions and devised how the count determines political representation.

Page Last Revised - September 9, 2024

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