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2020 Census: Los Angeles

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

According to LA County, Los Angeles is the hardest-to-count county in the nation. Why? About 52% of Los Angeles speaks a language other than English at home and about 57% belongs to historically undercounted populations including: African American, Latino, and Native American communities. In addition, the large number of children and youth populations who have not been traditionally counted, our diverse immigrant populations, and the large volume of non-traditional housing in the county, such as multi-unit rentals on one property, mobile homes, guesthouses, and accessory dwelling units.

USC in Second District of Los Angeles with Low Response Score (LRS)

The Census Bureau recognizes a variety of groups that are hard-to-count: 

  • Complex households, including those with blended families, multi-generations or non-relatives
  • Cultural and linguistic minorities, and people who do not speak English fluently 
  • Displaced people affected by a disaster, like wildfires.
  • People who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning 
  • People experiencing homelessness 
  • People less likely to use the internet and others without internet access 
  • People who have distrust in the government 
  • People with disabilities 
  • People without a high school diploma 
  • Renters 
  • People who are undocumented immigrants or recent immigrants 
  • Young children 
  • Young, mobile people, like college students

Why is the Census Important in Los Angeles?

According to LA County, it receives about $7 BILLION every year based on Census data. Funding for critical programs such as:

  • Medicaid
  • SNAP
  • Foster Care
  • Education Programs
  • Child Welfare Programs
  • Section 8 Housing
  • Job Training
  • Transportation Projects
  • Older Adult Programs

Census Determines Future Congressional Seats for California

                                                                   

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