Census 2020 Information

Census
The 2020 Census

The Census helps communities understand their present while preparing for the future.

Find out what the Census is, how it affects programs and funding, and how else it betters communities across Georgia.

  • Participating in the census is required by law, even if you recently completed another survey from the Census Bureau. A complete and accurate count is critical for you and your community, because the results of the 2020 Census will affect community funding, congressional representation, and more.
  • Census data helps with the allocation of federal funding across 55 programs, including the National School Lunch Program, federal student loan programs, and many more.
  • For every person counted, from infants to young children to older adults, the State of Georgia receives more than $2,300 from the federal government. This amount adds up to more than $20 billion annually towards programs that benefit Georgians like you. The more people counted, the more money each community stands to receive.

What is it?

The Census is a questionnaire that asks about the number of people living in the United States. Knowing the number of people in a city, county, or the whole state allows for the planning of day-to-day operations, the future, and even emergencies.

The personal information that you provide on the Census form is protected under Title 13 of the U.S. Code. It sets the fines and prison penalties (up to a fine of $250,000 and 5 years in federal prison) for the illegal taking, sharing, or use of private information. In addition, "The 72-Year Rule" was set under Public Law 95-416. The rule states that after 72 years, the Census information can be released to the general public. Records from the 2020 Census will be released in the year 2092.

 

 

The questions on the 2020 Census will ask how many people live in the residence; if the home is rented, owned, or other; and a phone number to contact you only in the case of official Census Bureau business.

►To view the sample 2020 Census questionnaire, click HERE. 

How is it done?

The method that the Census has been taken with has changed with the size of the United States' population and the introduction of new technology. In 2020, the U.S. Census will be offered in three formats: online, over the phone, or by mail. For the first time, the primary format will be online. The Census will also be available to be completed over the phone or by mail with the standard questionnaire.

If you do not complete your form in one of the three ways listed above, an enumerator (a U.S. Census Bureau employee) will visit the residence up to six times to attempt to help you complete your Census form. They will have proper identification to ensure that you know they are with the U.S. Census Bureau, and they will only ask questions pertaining to the Census questionnaire. 

When does it happen?

April 1, 2020 is Census Day. While you can fill out your Census form on this day, it is encouraged that you do so before. The first mailers inviting people to complete their Census will be sent out in mid-March. Enumerators will begin knocking on the doors of those who do not self-respond in May 2020. Enumerators will make up to six attempts to help people complete their Census.

Completing your Census early will ensure that an enumerator will not visit your residence.

What does this mean for Georgia?

  • The federal government distributes over $675 billion dollars to states based on the population for healthcare, food, education, and roads. Key programs using census data to drive funding are:
    • Federal Medical Assistance Programs (FMAP)
    • The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
    • Medicare Part B
    • Highway Planning and Construction
    • The Federal Pell Grant Program
  • Georgia’s rural assistance programs received more than $1.4 billion annually in the federal FY 2016.
  • Georgia gained a congressional seat in the 2010 Census thanks to the Census counting our growing population.
Do you have questions regarding the 2020 Census? Visit the U.S. Census Bureau website.