Census | New in 2020 | Video | Who is Counted | Importance | Questions | Purpose | Confidential | Dates | Census 101 Factsheets | More Info
The US Census
Every 10 years, the US government counts every person living in the 50 states, District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories. The count is required by the Constitution and conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. The results of the census determine the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives, determine the number of Electoral College votes each state will have, and are used to draw congressional and state legislative districts. The census also provides critical data that lawmakers, businesses and many others use to provide funding, services, products, and support for you and your community.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Census
New in 2020
- 2020 will be the first year individuals will be able to respond online, by phone, as well as by mail.
- Each household will receive a letter in the mail in March 2020 inviting them to complete the Census .
- The invitation letter will include a 10 digit user ID to log in by phone or online.
- Public Libraries will have computers available to complete the Census.
- The invitation letter will also include information on obtaining a paper census form. Some invitation letters will include a paper census form.
- Households who do not complete the Census will be visited at home by a census worker.
- Forms are available in 12 non-English languages and census language guides are available in 59 non-English languages.
Census 2020 Informational Videos
- Census 101: Get Your Civics On! (6 minute video)
- Census 102: Confidentiality in Our Bones (4 minute video)
- Census Day is April 1, 2020! (1.5 minute video)
- Why the Census Matters to College Students (3 minute video)
LWV ABC Census Forum
The Census Counts Every Person in the US
- Babies
- Children
- Citizens
- Legal residents
- Undocumented immigrants
- Non-citizen long-term visitors
- Renters
- Home Owners
- Homeless
- Prisoners in jails and prisons
- People in hospitals and nursing homes
- Minnesota may lose a Congressional seat in the US Congress
- Minnesota may lose an Electoral College vote
- For the next 10 years, Minnesota will lose federal funding of $2800 every year for each person not counted in the Census.
In 2020, Minnesota saved its 8th seat in the US House by 89 people counted.
As a state, Minnesota led the nation in self-response to the census with 75.1% of households returning their census form without the need for additional follow up from a census taker. The collective effort by governments, non-profit groups, and advocates to encouraged everyone to fill out their census forms - and it paid off.
What Questions are on the 2020 Census?
Census 2020 does not have a question about citizenship.
Census questions about the household:
- Number of people living in Household
- Type of housing - owned, rented
- Telephone number
Census questions about each person:
- Name
- Sex
- Age and Date of Birth
- Hispanic, Latino or Spanish origin?
- Race
Video Guide to Completing the 2020 Census Online
What is the Census Information Used For?
Fair Representation
- Determines the number of seats Minnesota has in the US House of Representatives
- Determines the number of Minnesota Electoral College votes
- Determines the legislative districts for the Minnesota Legislature
Federal Government funding in your community for:
- Roads and transportation
- Police and fire services
- Medicare Part B
- Medical Assistance Program
- State Children's Health Insurance Program
- Special education
- Head Start
- Adult Education
- National school lunch program
- College financial assistance
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Foster care
- Adoption Assistance
- Child Care
- Section 8 Housing Assistance
- Senior Housing
- Energy assistance
...and many more government programs
Types of Federal Funding Received in Minnesota (2016)
Counting For Dollars - Minnesota
Personal Information is Confidential
The US Census Bureau cannot share or publish your personal information for 72 years.
- Only population totals and sub-totals (numbers) are released to the public and other government agencies.
- Personal information (names of people in household, address, etc.) cannot be shared with other government agencies such as Homeland Security, the FBI, the police, Immigration or the Internal Revenue Service.
Census Confidentiality Fact Sheet Census Safety and Security Fact Sheet
Federal Laws That Protect Census Confidentiality
- March 12-20, 2019 - An invitation letter to respond online.
- March 16-24, 2019 - A reminder letter.
If a household does not respond, The US Census Bureau will send:
- March 26 - April 3, 2020 - A reminder postcard.
- April 8-16, 2020 - A reminder letter and paper questionnaire.
- April 20-27, 2020 - A final reminder postcard.
If a household still does not respond:
- July 16 - September 30, 2020 - Official US Census takers will go door to door to count people who have not responded to the 2020 Census. Census workers will wear masks.
After all households have responded, the Census Bureau will:
Due to the pandemic, all data delivery dates have been delayed - below is most recent information
as of February 12, 2021.
- April 26, 2021 - delivered apportionment counts to the President and Congress as required by law.
- Sept. 30, 2021 - will send redistricting counts to the states. This information is used to redraw legislative districts based on population changes.
- Sept. 30, 2021 - make initial 2020 Census data available to the public on census.gov
Census 101 Factsheets
Census 101 Factsheet - English
Census 101 Factsheet - Spanish
More Information
Minnesota 2020 Census Facebook
