The 2020 Census and You

In March 2020 the Census Bureau mailed all US households a letter with instructions on how to complete the 2020 Census online. Within this letter a 12-digit Census ID is included to enable you to complete the Census online. If you misplaced this ID you can still complete the Census online.

Complete Your Census Now >

What is the census?
The census in the process by which the U. S. government counts every person living in the United States and the five U. S. territories. The census is mandated in the U. S. Constitution and takes place every 10 years. The first U. S. census occurred in 1790 under the direction of then Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson.

Why is it important?
The census determines the allocation of more than $675 billion annual funds that go toward our communities in areas like housing, schools, infrastructure, transportation, hospitals, and fire departments. The census is also used in determining the boundaries of congressional and state legislative districts and determines the number of representatives each state has in the U. S. House of Representatives.

What happens if there is an undercount?
If undercounted, states may not have an accurate number of Representatives in Congress to represent its residents. Additionally, communities may not receive the amount of funds they need to provide adequate resources for its population.

Is it mandatory?
Yes. Every person living in the U. S. and the five U. S. territories is required by law to respond. It’s in the Constitution!

Do I have to be a citizen?
No. Both citizens and non-citizens living in the U. S. and its territories must complete the census. There are no questions regarding citizenship on the census questionnaire.

Is my information safe?
Yes! Your information will be used for statistical purposes only. Census Bureau employees take an oath of confidentiality, and it is against the law for Census Bureau employees to disclose any census information that identifies an individual. No law enforcement agencies can access your census information at any time. This includes the FBI, CIA, ICE, and DHS. To support historical research, the National Archives and Records Administration can release census records only after 72 years.

How can I learn more?
There are currently two Arkansas Area Census Offices:

Call the Little Rock Area Census Office at 501-263-7617 or
Call the Fayetteville Area Census Office at 479-332-7260 or

Go to 2020census.gov

Can I complete my Census online without my Census ID?
Yes! You can still answer your Census online by visiting my2020census.gov/ and selecting the option “If you do not have a Census ID, click here.”

Will I still be able to fill out the paper Census?
Yes! The paper Census questionnaire will be mailed by the Census Bureau during April.

Can I call to complete my Census Questionnaire?
Yes! You can call 1-844-330-2020 and a Census representative will help you complete your Census over the phone.

Will a Census worker visit me if I do not answer the online census, call questionnaire, or the paper one?
Yes! If you are unable to answer the online, call, or paper questionnaire a Census worker (enumerator) will visit where you reside to retrieve your Census response.

Is my privacy safe with Census workers?
Yes! All Census Enumerators take an oath to protect your Census responses and not share any information about you or who resides with you. The Census Bureau does not share your residential information with anyone.

For more information visit www.census.gov/