On April 1, 2020, we marked Census Day, the day on which the 2020 Census count is based. It’s important to note that Census Day is a reference day, not a deadline day. In other words, you’re reporting where you lived as of April 1, 2020, but you still have time to respond (though, the sooner the better)! We recently covered the background on what the Census is, why it’s conducted, and what’s on the survey. In this post, we’ll look at how data collection is going. For more information direct from the source or to respond to the Census, visit .
The Census is Ongoing
Despite the disruption COVID-19 is having on life in the U.S. right now, the Census maintains its charge to count the population. The Census is to be sure that it is counting in a way that’s safe for Census workers and the population being counted. For now, this means delays to a lot of the in-person follow-up and enumeration.
What may be the most beneficial change was an innovation planned well in advance of the disruption. For the first time ever, you can respond to the Census by or . , the traditional option, is also available. Perhaps one of the biggest ways you can make a difference is by self-responding to the Census so that the Census does not have to follow-up to ensure you are counted.
How Many Have Responded?
As of April 1, 2020, an estimated 41.3 percent had self-responded to the Census including 36.5 percent responding via the internet. This varies by state. As of April 1, Minnesota leads the way with almost half (49.9 percent) of the population having responded already including 46.5 percent by internet. Alaska rounds out the state level data with response rates of 25.5 percent overall including 24.1 percent internet response. By region on the country, the Midwest has the highest cumulative response rates with an estimated 46.3 response rate overall compared with 40.9 percent in the West, 39.8 percent for the Northeast, and 39.5 percent for the South. You can see the response rate and how it has trended overtime for your area in the interactive graphic below.
What’s being asked and not asked?
While we covered this in our earlier blog, it bears repeating that the 2020 Census is primarily designed to count people. It will ask about all persons living at a residence as well as basic demographic information such as age, race, ethnicity and their relationships to each other. The Census includes a question about homeownership, but it does NOT include any questions about citizenship nor about more sensitive information such as your social security number or banking details. The Census does ask for your phone number in case there is a need to follow-up to get more clarity around your response. See the full questionnaire .
Count Everyone!
According to the Census Bureau, certain types of people are overlooked more often and are not counted when they should be. These include roommates, young children, newborns, and anyone who is renting a space in your home. Visit the Census website for more guidance on .
Guidance for special cases
In our previous post, we covered guidance for . With many college students home since schools are closed, it’s worth taking a look at the guidance for families in that situation:
Even if they are home on census day, April 1, they should be counted according to the residence criteria which states they should be counted where they live and sleep most of the time, which would typically be their at-school residence.
While it may be the last thing on your to-do list during a pandemic, a response to the Census form ensures that you’ll be represented and if you self-respond, the Census will not have to send enumerators to your house to make sure that the count is complete. Thanks in advance for doing your part!