Census Information

Lets Make Clallam County Count. Shape Your FutureCensus Deadline Update - September 30, 2020

What is the Census?

The U.S. Census is mandated by the Constitution and takes place every 10 years. The goal of the Census is to count every person living in the United States and the five U.S. territories. The data collected by the decennial census determines:

  • The number of seats each state has in the U.S.
  • How the federal government will allocate more than $675 billion in federal funds each year to local communities.
  • Population tabulations necessary for legislative redistricting.
  • Create jobs, provide housing, prepare for emergencies, and build schools, roads and hospitals.

When is Census Day?

Census Day for the 2020 Census is April 1, 2020. By April 1, 2020, every home will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. Once the invitation arrives, you should respond for your home in one of three ways: online, by phone, or by mail.

How Is the Census Conducted?

Households will begin to receive the form in March 2020. You can fill out the survey online, by phone or by mail.

Who Counts as Part of Your Home?

If you are filling out the census for your home, you should count everyone who is living there as of April 1, 2020. This includes anyone who is living and sleeping there most of the time.

What Is Counted?

Planned questions for the 2020 Census are approved by Congress and include how many people are living or staying at your home on April 1, 2020, home ownership status, age, sex, Hispanic origin, race, and relationship.

How Is My Information Protected?

The Census Bureau is bound by Title 13 of the U.S. Code to keep your information confidential.

Under Title 13, the Census Bureau cannot release any identifiable information about you, your home, or your business, even to law enforcement agencies. The law ensures that your private data is protected and that your answers cannot be used against you by any government agency or court.

The answers you provide are used only to produce statistics. You are kept anonymous: The Census Bureau is not permitted to publicly release your responses in any way that could identify you or anyone else in your home.

From the beginning of the data collection process, the Census Bureau follows industry best practices and federal requirements to protect your data. Strict policies and statistical safeguards help protect the confidentiality of your information.

How Do I Distinguish Between an Authentic U.S. Census Bureau Contact & Fraudulent Activity and Scams?

The U.S. Census Bureau will never ask for:

  • Your Social Security number
  • Your mother's maiden name
  • Money or donations
  • Credit card or bank account information
  • Your personal information through email

If a field representative comes to your home, he or she will always have official Census ID.