Participate in the Census
Let’s ensure all Californians are counted so we can put those resources to good use here at home!
- Build better roads and schools
- Fund community programs for seniors, children and families
- Create jobs
- Improve housing
Starting in mid-March 2020, each household will get a letter in the mail. It will explain the different ways you can fill out the Census. If you don’t receive a letter, you can still go online or call to fill it out. Be sure you include any person living in your household, family or not.
Three Ways to Complete the Census
ONLINE: For the first time, the Census form will be available to complete online in 13 languages.
PHONE: The Census can be completed by phone in 13 languages.
- English: 1-844-330-2020
- Spanish: 1-844-468-2020
- For more a full list of phone numbers,
click here.
MAIL: Limited addresses will receive paper forms.
- Homes that do not initially respond online or by phone will receive a paper questionnaire.
When finished, return the questionnaire in the envelope we provided. If you have lost your return envelope, please mail your completed questionnaire to:
U.S. Census Bureau
National Processing Center
1201 E 10th Street
Jeffersonville, IN 47132
- For more information on responding by mail, click here.
Overall Timeline
Counting every person living in the United States is a massive undertaking, and efforts begin years in advance. Here's a look at some of the key dates along the way, as they are currently scheduled for 2020:
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January 21: The Census Bureau started counting the population in remote Alaska. The count officially began in the rural Alaskan village of Toksook Bay.
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March 12 - March 20: Households received official Census Bureau mail with detailed information on how to respond to the 2020 Census online, by phone, or by mail.
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April 1: This is Census Day, a key reference date for the 2020 Census—not a deadline. We use this day to determine who is counted and where in the 2020 Census. When you respond, you'll tell the Census Bureau where you live as of April 1, 2020 and include everyone who usually lives and sleeps in your home. You can respond before or after that date. We encourage you to respond as soon as you can.
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April 16 – June 19: Census takers will work with administrators at colleges, senior centers, prisons, and other facilities that house large groups of people to make sure everyone is counted.
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May 27 – August 14: Census takers will interview homes that haven't responded to the 2020 Census to help make sure everyone is counted.
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December: The Census Bureau will deliver apportionment counts to the President and Congress as required by law.
2021
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March 31: By this date, the Census Bureau will send redistricting counts to the states. This information is used to redraw legislative districts based on population changes.
Your 2020 Census data is safe, protected and confidential.
