Washington, DC…Today the U.S. Census Bureau delivered its planned questions for the 2020 Census to Congress, which include age, sex, Hispanic origin, race, relationship, homeownership status, and citizenship status. By law, the Census Bureau must deliver decennial census questions to Congress two years before Census Day, with the next one occurring April 1, 2020.

“The goal of the census is to count every person living in the United States once, only once and in the right place,” said Ron Jarmin, who is performing the non-exclusive functions and duties of the Director of the U.S. Census Bureau. “The 2020 Census is easy, safe and important. The census asks just a few questions and takes about 10 minutes to respond. For the first time, you can choose to respond online, by phone or by mail.”

Also included in the submission to Congress are the planned questions for the 2020 American Community Survey — an annual survey that provides key socio-economic and housing statistics about the nation’s rapidly changing population every year, rather than once a decade with what used to be known as the “long form.” The American Community Survey, which started in 2005, provides data that helps all levels of government, community organizations and businesses make informed decisions.

Data from the census and American Community Survey directly affect how more than $675 billion per year in federal and state funding are allocated to local, state and tribal governments. The data are also vital to other planning decisions, such as emergency preparedness and disaster recovery.

Road to the 2020 Census

Conducting the census is a massive undertaking. It requires years of planning and the support of thousands of people. Currently, the Census Bureau is conducting the 2018 Census Test in Providence County, Rhode Island.

The 2018 Census Test is a critical part of preparations for the nation’s upcoming 2020 Census and includes approximately 265,000 housing units in Providence County. The 2018 Census Test will help the Census Bureau validate its plans for 2020 Census operations, procedures, systems and field infrastructure for the once-a-decade census.

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