Census
- What is the Census?
- How does the Census Impact me?
- Is Completing the Census Safe?
- What questions did the 2020 Census ask?
The U.S. Census:
- Is mandated by the U.S. Constitution in Article 1, Section 2.
- Has counted every United States citizen every 10 years since 1790!
- Counts every person living in the 50 states, District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories.
- Is required by law, even if you recently completed another survey from the Census Bureau.
The results of the Census influence:
- Funding and resources for local schools like school lunch programs, head start programs, special education programs, and grants that support teachers who teach students living in Livingston County.
- The planning and construction of roads for local, state and federal, highways in Livingston County.
- Aid for public transportation systems serving Livingston County.
- The number of seats New York State has in the US House of Representatives.
- First Responder funding and resources that keep Livingston County safe and healthy.
- Funding for food and medical programs for families living in Livingston County.
Confidentiality:
Your responses are protected by law. The U.S. Census Bureau cannot release any information that identifies you individually for 72 years. The Census Bureau uses your information for statistical purposes only, such as helping to inform decisions for new hospitals, schools and roads.
The information collection process is designed with layers of security to keep your information safe and secure. No matter your method of response, your information is collected, transmitted and kept secure throughout the process. The Census Bureau works with the federal intelligence cyber community and industry experts to continuously update protections and safeguards.
Staying Safe at Home
If someone visits your home to collect a response for the Census, you can do the following to verify their identity:
- First, check to make sure that they have a valid ID badge, with their photograph, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark, and an expiration date.
- If it is determined that the visitor who came to your door does not work for the Census Bureau, contact your local police department.
The Census Bureau never asks for:
- Social Security Numbers
- Money or donations
- Bank or credit card account numbers.
- Anything on behalf of a political party