Census 2020: Celebrating 100 Years of Arlington History 

Published on September 25, 2020

WATCH: A virtual discussion with County Manager Mark Schwartz about the last century of Arlington history through the 1920 Census. Read "What the 1920 Census Tells Us About Arlington 100 Years Ago & Today. 

County Manager Mark Schwartz shared insights from his extensive research into Census data from 1920 and reflected on the many changes in the County over the last century on Tuesday, September 29 at 7 PM.  We also celebrated the work of Arlington's Complete Count Committee, Census Partners & Champions, and community volunteers during this event. Watch here. 

Add the Virtual Session to your Google calendar

What the Census Tells Us About County History 

Census data offer us valuable insights into many of the defining factors from the year a Census is taken. Though its questions change every 10 years, the Census reliably tells us key demographic details such as the age, race, and number of people in a household. Some years (but not in 2020) it ask questions about employment, highlighting the dramatic changes the County has experienced as it transitioned from rural to urban, and from a population of 16,040 in 1920 to the estimated 228,400 people who make Arlington their home today. 

The reason we are able to access this Census data is due to the "72-year rule." According to federal law, your Census responses will remain confidential for 72 years after they are collected. After this amount of time passes, the records are released to the National Archives and Records Administration for historical research purposes. 

There's Still Time to Get Counted

Arlington's response rate is currently estimated at 98% — but this means there are still households in the County that need to be counted. Take some time before the end of the month to take the Census and ensure that you, your family, friends, and neighbors are all counted. Don't miss out on being counted — the Census only happens every 10 years! 

Taking the Census takes only a few minutes. Here's how:

  • Online:  Go to my2020census.gov.  Non-English speakers can select a different language at the bottom of the page. 

 

  • Phone:  Call 844-330-2020 for English, 844-468-2020 for Spanish, or use these phone numbers to take the Census in 12 other languages. 
  • Mail:   If you received a paper copy by mail, just fill it out, place it in the envelope provided and drop it in a mailbox. 
  • In Person:  At a Mobile Questionnaire Assistance (MQA) station or when a Census Taker knocks on your door. 

If you have already taken the Census, help spread the word and let everyone in your network know how important — and how easy — it is! 

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