Make it count for Richland County. The census ends Thursday, Oct. 15.
Do your part by completing the 2020 Census. Following is information to help you learn more about the census and why it's important. For additional resources, including mobile questionnaire assistance and help with responding to the census in Spanish, refer to Fact Sheets from the U.S. Census Bureau.
The U.S. Constitution mandates that the nation's population count be conducted each decade. The 2020 Census effort aims to count everyone once – and only once. The data gathered is vital for planning the needs of a community.
For 2020, households can self-respond online, by phone or using the traditional paper questionnaire. Read the following information to learn more about the census and what you can expect.
What is the census?
The census is a national count taken every 10 years of every person in the United States of America. It is required by law and conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. Click here for more information.
When does the census take place?
In mid-March, most people received a letter asking them to respond. On Aug. 11, census takers started contacting households in Richland County that had not yet responded. The Census Bureau will complete its count of all U.S. households on Thursday, Oct. 15. See the Census Bureau's announcement on the census ending.
How do I complete the census?
Households can respond to the 2020 Census online, call 844-330-2020 or respond through the mail via paper questionnaire – without having to meet a census taker.
View a sample copy of the 2020 Census questionnaire:
https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/technical-documentation/questionnaires/2020.html
What will I be asked?
– How many people are living or staying at your home.
– Whether the home is owned or rented.
– The sex, age and race of each person in the home.
– Whether a person in your home is of Hispanic, Latino or Spanish origin.
– The relationship of each person in your home.
You will not be asked about your citizenship status. Find out more about what you will be asked and why.
Why am I being asked about race and origin?
This information helps federal agencies monitor compliance with anti-discrimination provisions, such as the Voting Rights Act and the Civil Rights Act.
Find more information on what you will be asked and why.
What languages will be offered?
The online and phone response options are in 13 languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Russian, Arabic, Tagalog, Polish, French, Haitian Creole, Portuguese and Japanese.
The U.S. Census Bureau also has print and video language guides in 59 languages including American Sign Language, Braille and large print guides.
COVID-19 and the census
The Census Bureau has adjusted its operations in response to COVID-19. The public is strongly urged to respond online. Read more here.
Will my personal information be safe?
Your responses will be safe, secure, and protected by federal law. Answers can only be used to produce statistics and cannot be used against you in any way. The census will protect your data through the safest and best practices available.
Learn more about confidentiality and the census.
What if I don't complete the census?
The census is required by the U.S. Constitution. If a household did not respond by the end of April, a census taker will visit the home to collect responses.