2020 United States Census
Census 2020: A Modern Approach
What is the 2020 Census?
Every ten years, as mandated by the Constitution, Palm Beach Gardens citizens are counted as part of the official census. The 2020 Census will be the first of its kind as the federal government has adopted new technologies that change how the count is performed. The population will have the ability to answer the census via the Internet, and census workers in the field will use mobile phone apps.
On April 1, 2020, Census Day is observed nationwide.
By this date, every home will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. Once the invitation arrives, residents can respond for their home in one of three ways: online, by phone, or by mail.
Check out this video to see why the 2020 Census is a big deal: https://youtu.be/Syg4zqb0iCU
Why it Matters
The data collected through the census will:
- Determine how many seats each state gets in the House of Representatives.
- Inform officials on redrawing the boundaries of the congressional and state legislative districts to account for population shifts.
- Decide how more that $675 billion in federal funds, grants, and support will be distributed for spending on schools, hospitals, roads, public works, and more.
Who to Count
Every individual living in your home, as of April 1, 2020, should be counted. This includes anyone who is living and sleeping there most of the time. It is important to remember to count any children who are living with you. This includes:
- All children who live in your home, including grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and the children of friends.
- Children who split their time between homes, if they are living with you on April 1, 2020.
- Newborn babies, even those who are born on April 1, 2020, or who are still in the hospital on this date. Babies born after April 1, 2020, should not be counted in the 2020 Census.
Special Circumstances
People who are moving should be sure to count themselves just once, in one home.
- If they move into their new residence on April 1, 2020, they should count themselves at that residence.
- If they move out of their old residence on April 1, 2020, but have not yet moved into their new home, they should count themselves at their old residence.
WHAT WE WILL SEND IN THE MAIL | |
On or Between: | You will receive: |
| March 12 - 20, 2020 | Invitations to respond online to the 2020 Census |
| March 16 - 24, 2020 | Reminder letters |
| If you haven’t responded yet: | |
| March 26 - April 3, 2020 | Reminder postcards |
| April 8 - 16, 2020 | Reminder letters and questionnaires |
| April 20 - 27, 2020 | Final reminder postcards before we follow up in person |
Additional Information
Identifying a U.S. Census Bureau Employee
It is important for City residents to know how to properly identify a U.S. Census Bureau field representative when they show up at your door.
For the full list of ways to verify an individual is an actual Census Bureau employee, visit: http://tinyurl.com/tn9amzv.
Ways to Respond
There are three options for responding to the 2020 Census: online, by phone, or by mail. In mid-March, households will begin receiving official Census Bureau mail with detailed information on how to respond to the 2020 Census.
Want to skip the knock? Check out this video guide to completing the 2020 Census online: https://youtu.be/vCM0XrSynFw
Questions Asked
The 2020 Census consists of a simple questionnaire about yourself and everyone who is living with you on April 1, 2020. It only takes about 10 minutes to answer the questionnaire.
Explore the questions that will be on the 2020 Census form by visiting https://2020census.gov/en/about-questions.html
How the Census Bureau Protects Your Data
The U.S. Census Bureaus is bound by law to protect your answers and keep them strictly confidential. Every employee takes an oath to protect your personal information for life.
For more information about privacy and security, visit https://2020census.gov/en/data-protection.html