Why do we take the census?
The first census was conducted in 1790 and there has been one every 10 years since that time. The U.S. Constitution (Article I, Section 2) mandates a headcount of everyone residing in the 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Island Areas of the United States. This includes people of all ages, races, ethnic groups, citizens and non-citizens. The next census will take place in April 2020.
THE CENSUS IS SAFE AND CONFIDENTIAL. BY LAW, INFORMATION COLLECTED CANNOT BE SHARED WITH OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES.
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT SOMEONES IDENTITY OR CONCERNS ABOUT FRAUD, IMMEDIATELY CALL 1-800-923-8282 TO SPEAK WITH A LOCAL CENSUS BUREAU REPRESENTATIVE.
The population totals from the census determines the number of seats each state has in the House of Representatives. Between 2000 and 2010, Texas added over 4 million residents and gained 3 congressional seats in the House of Representatives. States also use the totals to redraw their legislative and school district boundaries.
The population totals also affect funding in our community, and data collected in the census help decision makers know how your community is changing. Approximately $675 billion in federal funding is distributed to communities each year. This funding is spent on schools, hospitals, roads, public works and other vital public programs. An undercount of the Texas population of just 1% could mean a loss of $300 million in federal funding for the state.
About the 2020 Census
It will only take about 10 minutes to answer the Census, which can be filled out online.
The questions asked will include:
- The number of people at the residence address on April 1, 2020
- The type of residence dwelling
- The phone number at the residence
- The name, sex, date of birth, origin, and race of each person living at the residence
- Personal identification numbers such as SSN, Drivers License, or State ID numbers
- Credit card or bank account information
- Monetary donations or payments
- Political contributions
The Census Bureau will be mailing out invitations to complete the census online. You may also receive an invitation to complete it online along with a paper questionnaire. You may complete either the online version or the paper questionnaire. Below is the timeline you should be receiving invitations from the Census Bureau.
March 12-20: An invitation to respond online to the 2020 Census.
March 16-24: A reminder letter
March 26-April 3: A reminder postcard
April 8-16: A reminder letter and paper questionnaire
April 20-27: A final postcard before we follow up in person
Census 2020 - Avoiding Fraud and Scams
Census 2020 - How the Census Bureau Protects Your Data
Census 2020 - How to respond
United States Census Bureau
Tarrant County 2020 Census Information