2020 Census: Home

This guide is for the USC community and public to learn about the importance of the 2020 Census.

What is the 2020 Census?

A count by the U.S. Census Bureau to determine the number of people living in the United States. The Decennial Census has been conducted in years ending in "0" since 1790. From the beginning, the Census has been primarily concerned with how many people are residing in the United States, regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, citizenship or immigration status.

Updates

"Per the Census Bureau’s residence criteria, in most cases students living away from home at school should be counted at school, even if they are temporarily elsewhere due to the COVID-19 pandemic." For more details please read the Census's Press Release here.

 

What is new and different about the 2020 Census?

Online Self-Response

For the first time, the Census Bureau will promote online response as the preferred method. People without access to the internet will be able to still respond via phone or mail. 

Household Relationship Question

For the first time, the 2020 Census offers a way for the person filling out the form to indicate a same-sex relationship with another household member. This change is expected to improve national statistics on same-sex couples. 

Race Question

There will be new write-in areas for white and black origins for the race question. For example, for White - German, Irish, English etc. and for Black - Jamaican, Nigerian, Somali, etc. 

Why is the 2020 Census Important?

Census Workshops @LIPA

How to Complete the Census?

What Questions will be Asked in the 2020 Census?

Social Sciences Data Librarian

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Eimmy Solis
she, her, hers
Contact:
eimmysol@usc.edu
Library for International and Public Affairs, 36B

Census Response Rates

How is your town's count going?