The 2020 Census counts every person living in the 50 states, District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories.

Why is it important to participate? 

The census provides critical data that lawmakers, business owners, teachers, and many others use to provide daily services, products, and support for you and your community. Every year, billions of dollars in federal funding go to hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and other resources based on census data.

The results of the census also determine the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives, and they are used to draw congressional and state legislative districts.

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.

By participating in the census, you are helping to shape our future in PA. Be a good neighbor and spread the word. 

Shape Your Future PA

Ways to Respond

There are three ways to respond to the 2020 Census.

By April 1, 2020, every home will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. You will have three options for responding:

  • Online
  • By phone
  • By mail

In mid-March, households will begin receiving official Census Bureau mail with detailed information on how to respond to the 2020 Census.

2020 Census Jobs

The U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting to fill hundreds of thousands of temporary positions across the country to assist with the 2020 Census count.

Census takers in Montgomery County make $27.00 an hour. Follow the link below to learn more. 

https://2020census.gov/en/jobs.html

Why Apply for Census Jobs

POSSIBLE SCAMS

The Census Bureau will be collecting basic information about the people living in your household. 

Do not respond if you are asked for your social security number (SSN), bank or credit card information, your mother’s maiden name, money or donations, or anything on behalf of a political party. The U.S. Census Bureau will never ask for this information. 

If someone claiming to be from the U.S. Census Bureau contacts you via email, phone, or in-person and asks for any of this information, it is a scam.

Follow the link for more information on Data Privacy & Security:  https://www.pa.gov/census/privacy-security/

Get The FACTS!

Can I only take the census online?

NO. The 2020 Census will be available online, by phone, and by mail. Online and phone responses can be completed in 13 languages (English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Russian, Arabic, Tagalog, Polish, French, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, and Japanese). A paper form will be mailed to every house that hasn’t responded already, when the Census Bureau send their fourth mail piece out.

Can my answers be shared with law enforcement or be used against me?

NO. The law prevents the Census Bureau from sharing your information with law enforcement. Your answers cannot be used to impact your eligibility for government benefits. Your answers are only used to create statistics about our country. The Census Bureau is bound by Title 13 of the U.S. Code to protect your personal information and keep it strictly confidential. That’s every answer, to every question.

Will the 2020 Census online form work on computers manufactured before 2008?

Yes. The 2020 Census online form will work on any computer that currently works on the internet.  The online form is a website - you don't have to download anything to use it, and it is accessible through any software used to access the internet. The 2020 Census online form is compatible with all Android and Apple smartphone browsers as well.

Please note the Census Bureau does not control computers or devices made available to the public by other entities. Please also note that 2020 Census responses can be provided by phone or by mail if you prefer. 

Does software have to be downloaded to respond to the 2020 Census?

No. The online form is a website - you don't have to download anything to use it, and it is accessible through any software used to access the internet. The 2020 Census online form is compatible with all Android and Apple smartphone browsers as well.

Is the Census Information on Nextdoor a scam?

No. The Census has partnered with Next Door and they are posting valid information.