We Count: 2020 U.S. Census

Once a decade, America comes together to participate in the Census. The U.S. Constitution mandates that a census be taken every 10 years to count all people—both citizens and non-citizens—living in the United States.

The 2020 Census begins this March.

Participating in the Census is in everyone’s best interest because the information is used to reappoint Congressional seats, redistrict, and distribute over $15.5 billion in federal funding to support Minnesota and our community’s vital programs.

To make sure our community is fairly counted, we need your participation in the upcoming 2020 Census. So what is the Census and why should I be counted?

Why is the Census Important?

Residents use the Census to support community initiatives involving legislation, quality-of-life, and consumer advocacy.

Businesses use Census data to decide where to build factories, offices, and stores, in turn creating jobs.

Local government uses the Census to ensure public safety and plan new schools and hospitals.

Housing developers and city planners use the Census to plan new homes and improve neighborhoods.

The Census is a key way to ensure equity and inclusion in our community.

By being counted, you help ensure fair representation, fair distribution of resources, and accurate data to make smart decisions for our community.

Everyone Counts

The Census counts every person living in the U.S., no matter their age or immigration status.

It's About Fair Representation

Every 10 years, the results of the Census are used to reappropriate the House of Representatives, determining how many seats each state gets.

It's in the Constitution

The U.S. Constitution requires a census every 10 years. The Census covers the entire country and everyone living here. The first Census was in 1790.

It means $15.5 billion

Census data determines how more than $15.5 billion is spent in Minnesota alone, supporting vital programs like Medicare and SNAP.

It's About Redistricting

After each Census, state officials use the results to redraw the boundaries of congressional and state legislative districts, adapting to population shifts.

Your Data is Confidential

Federal law protects your census responses. Your answers can only be used to produce statistics. By law, the U.S. Census Bureau cannot share your information with ICE, IRS, FBI, Department of Homeland Security, or allow it to determine your eligibility for government benefits.

Why Should I be Counted?

Although the goal of the Census is to count everyone in the U.S., certain populations have been historically undercounted.

Overwhelmingly undercounted communities include:

People of color
Immigrants
LGBTQIA people
People experiencing homelessness
Renters
People with lower incomes
People living in rural areas
People with limited English proficiency

To ensure fair access to democracy and social services funding, it is important for our community to be accurately counted in the 2020 Census.

We understand the concerns some people, especially people who are undocumented, have about participating or opening their doors to unknown persons.

It’s important to know that there are laws in place to protect your privacy.

Census takers are required to clearly identify themselves and can only ask you official Census questions. Your responses cannot be used against you and can only be used to produce statistics. The Census Bureau is prohibited from using your responses in any way that could identify you or your household or sharing your information with another government agency, including ICE, FBI, IRS, or Dept. of Homeland Security.