Every 10 years since 1790 the United States has counted its population. Census results help determine how billions of dollars in federal funding flow into states and communities each year, determining health clinics, fire departments, schools, roads and highways. The results also determine how many seats in Congress each state gets.
According to Census.gov, there are several ways you can respond to the census. You can respond online or by phone in English or in 12 additional languages. The online questionnaire is accessible, following the latest web accessibility guidelines. By mid-April, a paper questionnaire will be mailed to every household that hasn’t already responded. Braille and large print guides are available online to assist you with completing the paper questionnaire. Guides in Braille and large print are available on the Language Support page for more information.
If necessary, you can also respond in person beginning in mid-May. Census takers will visit all households that have not yet responded.