Census data are used to make decisions about how and where to spend more than $800 billion each year for programs and services that communities rely on. The census population count is used to determine representation in Congress and the Electoral College. Simply put, communities that are undercounted are disadvantaged economically and politically.
Communities also use census data for planning purposes. Census data help local leaders make planning decisions about where municipal services should be located, whether they should expand, and what kinds of services should be offered based on the characteristics of the community.
International students are counted in the 2020 Census! International students who live on campus will be included in UCA's Group Quarters Enumeration, and those who live off-campus will need to self-respond. The library can provide assistance to anyone who needs it!
Is my data confidential?
The Census Bureau will never ask you for: your social security number, money or donations, anything on behalf of a political party, your bank or credit card account numbers.
If someone claiming to be from the Census Bureau asks you for one of these things, you may be the target or victim of a scam.
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.