2020 Census

Everyone Counts


The U.S. Constitution requires that each decade we take a count — or a census — of America’s population. The goal of the 2020 Census is to count everyone once, only once, and in the right place.

Updates


Census Workers Going Door to Door


Make sure the person at your door is a verified Census representative, and know what information they will ask:
  • IDENTIFICATION: U.S. Census workers will have an ID from the U.S. Census, with a watermark from the Commerce Department, to identify themselves. They also will be wearing PPE/masks.
     
  • CONFIRMATION: The public may confirm a Census worker’s identity by calling the U.S. Census Bureau at 844-330-2020 — this phone number is answered by a person who can confirm the census worker’s identity.
     
  • SAFETY: A Census worker will never ask for your Social Security number, banking information, money, or other similar financial information. You are not required to speak to a Census worker.
     
  • OPTIONS: You are not required to speak to a Census worker in person. However, we strongly encourage you to participate in the U.S. Census. All answers are confidential. You may complete your Census form by phone: 844-330-2020.
Census workers may be in the City into the autumn to complete their work, or until they have reached everyone who has not yet filled out their Census forms.

What is the Census?


The data collected by the census is used in many ways, such as:

  • Distribution of more than $675 billion annually in federal funds back to state and local governments.
  • Redistricting of legislative districts.
  • Forecasting future transportation needs for all segments of the population.
  • Determining areas eligible for housing assistance and rehabilitation loans.
  • Assisting federal, tribal, state and local governments in planning and implementing programs, services and emergency response.
  • Designing facilities for people with disabilities, the elderly and children.
  • Learn More

Completing the Census


In March and April 2020, households received an invitation to participate in the census. There are three options to respond:

  • Complete the Census with the help of the door-to-door Census worker
  • Call 844-330-2020
  • Visit 2020Census.gov
  • Return the form that was mailed to each household in March

Confidentiality


All responses to Census Bureau surveys and censuses are confidential and protected under Title 13 of the U .S . Code. Under this law, the Census Bureau is required to keep respondent information confidential. It will never share a respondent’s personal information with immigration enforcement agencies, like ICE; law enforcement agencies, like the FBI or police; or allow it to be used to determine their eligibility for government benefits. The results from any census or survey are reported in statistical format only.

Did You Know?

  • For every Northern Virginia resident who is not counted in the Census, our region loses $2,000 a year in federal assistance program allocations.
  • Our representation in the U.S. House of Representatives depends on a complete count of our region.
  • Federal funds distributed to Virginia based on Census data paid for:
    • Federal direct student loans
    • Highway planning and construction
    • Head Start and special education grants
    • The National School Lunch Program
    • Medicare and Medicaid
    • Section 8 subsidies

Census Jobs


The U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting thousands of people across the country to assist with the 2020 Census count. Jobs include census takers, recruiting assistants, office staff and supervisory staff. Learn more.


Frequently Asked Questions

Shape Your Future: 2020 Census