The 2020 Census Tracking Survey evaluation was designed and implemented to track U.S. public sentiment concerning matters that may bear on 2020 Census participation, and examine how attitudes and perceptions change during the census measurement period.

The survey included questions about census related knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes, along with questions about major events happening during 2019 and 2020. This survey employed two sampling strategies and data collection modes: a nationally representative version conducted over the phone and a nonprobability version conducted using web panels. It aimed to engage and motivate people to self-respond, primarily through the internet, and raise awareness and keep awareness high throughout the entire 2020 Census to encourage response.

Overall, the data provided an opportunity to monitor census awareness and changes in attitudes about the census over time as well as explore relevant topics such as data confidentiality, attitudes toward mask wearing, and other emerging areas that had an impact on census participation. Data from the 2020 Tracking Survey helped optimize the Integrated Partnership and Communications (IPC) program’s campaign during enumeration and guided planning before its launch.

This report is an overview of key findings from the 2020 Census Tracking Survey, a survey designed as part of the overall 2020 Census Integrated Communications Campaign (ICC) to provide insight into the campaign by identifying emerging issues and trends, helping to understand results from other data inputs, and informing recommendations for campaign refinements.