What is the Census?
Answer: Every 10 years, the United States conducts a “census”, or a count of the entire population. Data from the census provide the basis for distributing more than $675 billion in federal funds annually to communities across the country to support vital programs-impacting housing, education, transportation, employment, health care and public policy. They also are used to redraw the boundaries of congressional and state legislative districts and accurately determine the number of congressional seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Why is the census important to me?
Answer: Responding to the census is not only your civic duty; it also affects the amount of funding our community receives, how we will plan for the future, and your representation in government. Specifically, data from the 2020 Census are used to:
- Ensure public services and funding for schools, hospitals, and fire departments.
- Plan new homes and businesses and improve neighborhoods.
- Determine how many seats TN is allocated in the House of Representatives.
Who gets counted in the census?
Answer: The census counts everyone who lives in the United States, regardless of their immigration or citizenship status, age, gender, race, national origin. If you live here, you get counted. 901 COUNTS! EVERYONE COUNTS!
Will my information be private, safe and secure?
Answer: Strict federal law protects your census responses. It is against the law for any Census Bureau employee to disclose or publish any census information that identifies an individual. The Census Bureau has a robust cybersecurity program that incorporates industry best practices and federal security standards for encrypting data.
When and how will I complete the 2020 census?
Answer: The next census will take place on April 1, 2020. Beginning in mid-March, people will receive a notice in the mail to complete the 2020 Census. Once you receive it, you can respond online, by phone,or by mailing in the form. In May, the U.S. Census Bureau will begin following up in person with households that haven’t responded to the census. For more information please see this page.
What information will not be requested?
Answer: The Census Bureau will never ask for:
- Social Security numbers.
- Bank or credit card account numbers.
- Money or donations.
- Anything on behalf of a political party.
Is there any funding for community organizations to help inform and engage people for the 2020 Census?
Answer: Applications for the 2020 Census Small Grants Program will be made available in December 2019.
What is this I keep hearing about the “citizenship question”?
Answer: A question asking if you are a U.S. citizen will NOT be in the Census 2020 forms. In March 2018, federal officials announced that they would add a question in the 2020 Census that would directly inquire about citizenship. However, In June 2019, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) issued a 5-4 ruling to uphold a federal injunction ordering the Trump administration to stop its plans to include the controversial question. On July 2, 2019, the Trump administration announced that they will no longer seek to add a citizenship question to the 2020 Census.
How will the online Census questionnaire work?
Answer: 2020 will be the first online census, giving everyone the ability to complete their survey from anywhere, on their schedule and on the device of their choice. Online responses can be given using a computer, tablet, or smartphone.
You will also be able to visit one of our 901 Counts locations for digital access starting in March 2020.
How do I get a job with the 2020 Census?
English
Español
Answer: Learn more about the application process at: https://2020census.gov/en/jobs for all non-management positions. Visit USAJobs.com for management jobs.
English is not my first language and I need help filling out the census. What can I do?
Language Guides
These language guides will help respondents complete the 2020 Census.
Guides will also be available in braille and large print.
English [1.6 MB]
Spanish / Español [1.4 MB]
Chinese (simplified) / 中文(简体) [1.5 MB]
Vietnamese / Tiếng Việt [1.8 MB]
Korean / 한국어 [1.5 MB]
Russian / Русский1.6 MB]
Arabic / العربية [1.4 MB]
