Census 2020: Watch Your Mailbox!

Published on March 12, 2020

The Census Bureau is keeping the Postal Service busy as it prepares to mail about 143 million invitations to respond to the 2020 Census. The invitations are going out to 95% of U.S. households, including all 108,000 households in Arlington. 

  • What will the invitation look like? View a SAMPLE invitation/letter along with Frequently Asked Questions. Knowing what to expect can help you avoid potential scams. 

  • Need language help? Each mailing will also include a Language Assistance Sheet with information on how to take the Census in 13 languages. 

  • See a video guide to completing the 2020 Census online. 


Upon receiving the invitation, go to my2020census.gov to access your 2020 Census questionnaire. The Census Bureau also provides translated web pages and guides in 59 languages that can be accessed from a drop-down menu on the upper right corner of 2020census.gov 

People in most areas of the country, including Arlington, are expected to complete the census questionnaire online, so the invitation will direct you to respond at my2020census.gov as well as provide a toll-free number for phone assistance. 

Arlington Pop Ups and Census Stations Can Help 


Although people are encouraged to respond to the Census on their own, if you need help or access to a secure computer, Arlington is offering a number of Pop Up events or 2020 Census stations around the County.  Census Bureau staff and volunteers will be on site to answer questions and help you log on to a secure public computer, access phone support, find language guides, and offer additional information about the 2020 Census. While you're there, enjoy refreshments and pick up your free 2020 Census souvenir. 

When Should I Respond to the Census? 


Households are encouraged to respond when they receive their invitation — you don't have to wait until April 1, 2020, if you know who is living in your household on that date. 

If you are living or staying in a group living arrangement, also known as group quarters, on April 1, 2020, the Census Bureau has a special process for counting you. People who live in more than one place, are moving on Census Day, have a household member who is born or dies on Census Day or are experiencing homelessness can find information and resources at Who To Count. 

Getting a complete and accurate census count is critically important. If you do not respond, the U.S. Census Bureau will follow up with several mailings, and lastly in person to collect your response. 

Is My Data Safe? 


Just as you are required by law to participate, the Census Bureau is also required by law to protect your answers and keep them confidential. Your responses are used only to produce statistics. The law ensures that your private information is never published and that your answers cannot be used against you by any government agency or court. 
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