Census
The U.S. Constitution (Article I, Section 2) mandates a headcount every 10 years 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 noncitizens. The first census was conducted in 1790 and one has been
conducted every 10 years since then.
The population totals from the census determine the number of seats each state has in the House of
Representatives. States also use the totals to redraw their legislative and school districts.
The next census occurs in 2020.
The U.S. Census Bureau must submit state population totals
to the President of the United States by December 31, 2020. The population totals also affect funding
in your 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.
How the 2020 Census will invite everyone to respond
PDF's
Census 101
Census FAQ
Confidentiality
Counting for Dollars NY
Counting Young Children
Rural America
We Can Be Census Takers
Why We Ask
Census Information