[Source: Maricopa Association of Governments] – The U.S. Census is a count of every person living in the United States and its territories to determine how much funding each area needs for resources like schools, emergency services, healthcare programs, roads and more.
When is the census?
The U.S. Census Bureau conducts the decennial census every ten years. The next census will be in 2020 and the Bureau will start mailing invitations on how to respond to every household in March 2020.
Do I have to take the census?
Yes. By law, every person who lives in the U.S. and its territories is required to respond to the census.
Does everyone in my household have to fill out the census survey?
Only one person per household needs to fill out the census. One person completes the questionnaire for everyone living in the home.
How do I take the census?
There are three ways to respond to the census: online or by phone or by mail. Households will receive an invitation in the mail with instructions for completing the questionnaire.
What questions are on the census?
The census asks basic demographic questions such as: how many people are living in the home; is the home owned or rented, and what is the age, sex, race, and relationships of people in the household.
When do I have to respond by?
You are encouraged to self-respond to the 2020 Census by April 30, 2020. Starting in May, the Census Bureau will begin follow-up in person to households who haven’t responded. All census responses need to be received online, by phone or by mail no later than July 31, 2020.
What happens if I don’t respond?
Census workers will follow up with a home visit to households that do not respond.
What is Neighborhood Address Canvassing?
The Neighborhood Address Canvassing serves two purposes:
- Deliver a complete and accurate address list and location database for enumeration.
- Determine the type and address characteristics for each living quarters.
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What happens if I don’t answer one of the questions on the survey?
The U.S. Census Bureau encourages each household to complete their questionnaire in its entirety. To ensure your questionnaire counts toward the population of your community, the response to the question regarding the number of people in the home, must be completed.
Why do you need to know all of my information?
Your answers are only used for statistical purposes. This information helps the government make informed housing and planning decisions, and fund important programs in areas of education, transportation, healthcare and so much more.
Is the census available in languages besides English?
Yes, the census offers the online and paper questionnaire in 12 non-English languages: Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Russian, Arabic, Tagalog, Polish, French, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, and Japanese.Additional materials and assistance are available in 59 languages. Visit 2020census.gov for more information.
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