The 2020 Census is underway—more than half the households across America have responded—and more are responding every day. Online, phone and mailed self-responses will continue throughout the data collection process.
In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the U.S. Census Bureau has adjusted 2020 Census operations in order to:
Guidance issued by the Office of Management and Budget and the Office of Personnel Management has given Federal agencies guidelines to resume operations on a epidemiologically sound, data-driven basis, adhering to the latest Federal, State and Local guidance. The Census Bureau continues to monitor the changing conditions at the State and Local level and will update its planned start dates for selected operations and in selected states, consulting with appropriate officials.
Information provided daily to the Census Bureau from FEMA, as well as State and Local authorities, will be used to guide Census Bureau decisions on timing. As a result, selected field operations will resume on a phased schedule on a geographic basis.
Under the adjusted 2020 Census operational plan, the Census Bureau is conducting a series of preparatory activities so we are fully ready to resume field activities as we continue to advance the mission of the 2020 Census to ensure a complete and accurate count. In-person activities, including enumeration, office work, and processing activities, will always incorporate the most current guidance from authorities to ensure the health and safety of staff and the public and Census Bureau employees.
Online, phone and mailed self-responses continue throughout the data collection process.
March 12 – July 31
March 12 – October 31
Many group quarters have already begun responding through our e-Response enumeration option.
April 2 – June 5
April 2 – September 3
Census takers will interview households in person. New dates will cover areas previously scheduled for "Early NRFU."
May 13 – July 31
August 11 – October 31
Group Quarters that remain as part of our in-person group quarters enumeration efforts will begin in July.
April 2 – June 5
July 1 – September 3
We’re working with service providers at soup kitchens, shelters, and regularly scheduled food vans to count the people they serve.
March 30 – April 1
September 22 - September 24
Census Bureau staff assists people with responding online at places people gather (events, grocery stores, etc.).
March 30 – July 31
Being modified to reflect the current environment.
Census takers count people under bridges, in parks, in all-night businesses, etc.
April 1
September 22 - September 24
Census takers count people staying at campgrounds, RV parks, marinas, and hotels if they do not usually live elsewhere.
April 9 – May 4
September 3 – September 28
After collection activities are complete, Census Bureau experts run and review output from programs to unduplicate responses, determine final housing unit status, populate any missing housing unit data on household size and finalize the universe to be included in the apportionment count file.
July 31, 2020 – December 31, 2020
October 31, 2020 – April 30, 2021