Census 2020: There Is Still Time to Take the Census!

Published on October 08, 2020

The 2020 Census is now set to end on October 31. Earlier this week, the U.S. Census Bureau released a statement confirming that "data collection operations will continue through October 31, 2020." The decision followed multiple court proceedings which sought to reverse the previously set September 30 deadline the Census Bureau had implemented this summer.

This new deadline means that there is still time to complete the Census, whether online, by mail, by phone, or in-person. It also means you could still be visited by an enumerator, and you might see Mobile Questionnaire Assistance stations helping people take the Census at local businesses or parks around the County. All in-person Census efforts adhere to social distancing guidelines.

There Are Still Arlingtonians Who Need to Be Counted

Arlington is now over 99% enumerated! While this is close to a complete response rate, it also means there are still about 400 Arlington households that need to be counted — and each of these is critical for an accurate representation of what the County looks like. Encourage a neighborhood, family member, or a friend to take the Census today so we can reach a complete count.

Why Take the Census?

According to the Census Bureau, $675 billion are distributed annually across the United States through federal formula grants that use Decennial Census data to determine the amount given to each recipient. Annually, Arlington receives over $50 million from these federal formula grants, which is used to fund programs related to human services, schools, transportation, public safety, and much more. Census data also determine voter apportionment and how many representatives are allocated to the U.S. House of Representatives. Don't wait to complete your form!

How to Complete the Census

Completing the Census is safe, easy, and takes only a few minutes. Here's how to fill out your form today:

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.