Census 2020: What the Census Tells Us About the Workforce
Published on September 04, 2020
This Labor Day weekend, take a few minutes to take the Census!
To have a complete understanding of our community, everyone needs to be counted. Currently, Arlington stands at a
75.2% self-response rate, meaning that a significant portion — almost one-fourth — of the County still needs to be counted.
The Census is also an important metric for understanding and tailoring policies to the County's workforce and economy. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 145,600 Arlingtonians age 16 years and over are part of the civilian labor force. Every Census response contributes to a better understanding of Arlington's workforce and how the government can best serve its needs. The Census only happens every 10 years — don't miss out on getting counted and making sure your voice is heard.
Census Data and the Workforce
The 2020 Census, also known as the Decennial Census, is one of the hundreds of surveys administered by the U.S. Census Bureau. Because the Decennial Census is a complete count of the U.S. population, it is used as a base for many Census Bureau surveys, including those that provide labor force statistics.
Census data are used to determine employment and unemployment rates, economic changes, and shifts in the types of jobs that make up our workforce. This information helps the government evaluate its programs, plan unemployment assistance, and ensure equitably in how these programs ultimately serve the community. Data from the Census also informs funding for many
services that contribute to the County's workforce and programs within the Department of Labor, including WIOA Adult Activities and Grants and Employment Services.
Employment Questions on the American Community Survey
Most households will only be asked to complete the standard, nine-question Decennial Census, which does not include any questions about employment or income. However, 3.5 million households, including 1,500 Arlington households, will also be asked to complete the
American Community Survey, a more extensive questionnaire from the U.S. Census Bureau that is sent to selected households on a monthly basis. The survey includes
questions about employment status, commuting, income, as well as industry, occupation, and class of work, among other topics. If you receive an American Community Survey, you should complete it in addition to the Census 2020 form, and like the Census, it can be
completed online, by phone, by mail, or in-person.
Examples of employment-related questions on the
American Community Survey.
Learn More About Arlington's Workforce
Census data, along with other sources, are used in the
Arlington Profile, which goes in-depth on many demographic statistics and data on other relevant topics, ranging from employment to transportation. According to the Profile, Arlington's 2020 employment estimate totals to 234,800 jobs. Of those jobs, 24.3% are estimated to be in Professional and Technical Services and 20.9% in government.
Get Involved in Census Outreach
Want to get involved in increasing Arlington's response rate? Volunteer at Census Palooza II on September 12, where you can help fellow Arlingtonians take the Census at this socially distanced outreach event.
Sign up at one of the three locations.
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:
- 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 the Census Taker knocks on your door.