Want a better future for your family?
Be counted in the 2020 U.S. Census!
The census is America’s selfie and gives us a picture of who lives in our country. Taking place once every 10 years, the census counts EVERYONE who lives in the U.S. – citizens and non-citizens.
The census decides which neighborhoods get resources to respond to emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. Our communities have a lot to gain if we participate and make sure we are counted.
The census is safe and your information is private. It is illegal for anyone to share your information and there are laws that prevent anyone from providing your information to anyone.
Here are 3 things you need to know
Filling out the census is easy.
You will be asked a few simple questions like your age, the number of children in your home and your marital status. The U.S. Census Bureau will send you a postcard to complete the survey online. If you don’t have access to the Internet, you can complete the census by mail or phone. Call 1-800-923-8282 for assistance.
Your community has a lot to gain.
Each person counted in the census means more money will go to your community for the next 10 years for things like schools, roads, hospitals and children’s healthcare. Participating in the census means you are claiming your community’s fair share of federal money. With 10 million people living in LA County, we have a lot to gain.
Every person counts!
In the past, many communities have been left out of the census. People of color, immigrants and children are among those most likely to not be counted. These communities have so much to gain. It’s important for everyone living in the U.S. to be counted – citizens and non-citizens.
Key Dates
Here’s a timeline of key dates you need to keep in mind as you prepare to complete the census. You can hover over each date for more information:
Internet Invitations Begin to Be Sent
March 12–20, 2020
Internet Invitations Begin to Be Sent
Invitations to complete the census online will be mailed to households.
April 2020
U.S. Census Day
U.S. Census Day
By this date, every home should have received an invitation to participate in the census.
Hard-Copy (Paper) Responses
April 8–16, 2020
Hard-Copy (Paper) Responses
Another reminder and a hard copy census form will be mailed out.
April 16–June 19, 2020
Homeless & Group Quarter Counts
Homeless & Group Quarter Counts
LA County will conduct outreach to people experiencing homelessness or living in group settings such as shelters.
Final Reminder
April 20–27, 2020
Final Reminder
Final reminder postcards will be mailed before an in-person follow-up.
May 27-August 14, 2020
Non-Response Follow-Up
Non-Response Follow-Up
US Census Bureau representatives will visit households that have not submitted their forms.
About we count LA
We Count LA is a comprehensive outreach and communications campaign committed to promoting census participation among Los Angeles County’s diverse communities. We Count LA is comprised of dozens of community-based organizations (CBOs) that represent the wide demographic and geographic expanse of LA County.