U.S. Census 2020 - Your Response Matters

The 2020 U.S. Census is an opportunity to shape the future of your community. Census results help determine how billions of dollars in federal funding flow into states and communities each year.

The 2020 Census will mark the 24th time that the country has counted its population since 1790. The 2020 Census will count every person living in the 50 states, District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories.

The count is mandated by the Constitution and is conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, a nonpartisan government agency.

“The census is a cornerstone of America’s democracy,” says Pike County Commissioner Matthew Osterberg. “It helps to ensure that our government represents the people. Your response will help to guide future planning at a local level.”

By Census Day—April 1, 2020—each home will receive an invitation to respond to a short questionnaire online, by phone, or by mail. This will mark the first time that you will be able to respond to the census online. You can even respond on your mobile device.

Participating in the census is required by law, even if you recently responded to another survey from the Census Bureau. A complete and accurate count is critical for you and your community.

Census Results Benefit Pike County

The census provides data that lawmakers, business owners, teachers, and many others use related to daily services, products, and support for you and your community. “Every year, billions of dollars in federal funding go to fire departments, schools, roads, hospitals, and other resources based on census data,” adds Pike County Commissioner Steve Guccini. “Your response to the census will help the people of Pike County.”

The results of the census also determine the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives, and are used to draw congressional and state legislative districts.

Getting a complete and accurate count in 2020 requires everyone's help. There are many ways for individuals, businesses, community organizations, and others to play a part—and to help shape the future of your community.

How You Can Participate

The most important way to participate in the U.S. Census is to complete the short questionnaire as soon as you receive your invitation this spring. Responses will be accepted online, by phone, or by mail.

The law ensures that your private information is never published and that your answers cannot be used against you by any government agency or court.
“When you respond to the census, your answers are kept anonymous. They are used only to produce statistics,” says Pike County Planning Director Michael Mrozinski. “The U.S. Census Bureau is bound by law to protect your answers and keep them strictly confidential.”

Following the initial opportunity to participate by mail, phone or online, U.S. Census enumerators will visit the homes of people who have not yet completed the brief census survey. Enumerators will not visit the homes of people who do respond to the initial invitation to participate by mail, phone or online.

Local Employment Opportunities

Right now, the U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting to fill hundreds of thousands of temporary positions across the country to assist with the 2020 Census count.
Temporary positions feature flexible hours—a perfect fit if you are looking to earn extra money, even if you already have other commitments. Census jobs offer competitive wages, paid weekly. Authorized expenses, such as mileage, are reimbursed for employees doing field work.

Stay Informed

For more information about the U.S. Census, visit 2020census.gov for the most current, accurate information. You can sign up for updates and to receive a reminder when it's time to respond.

You can also apply for a local temporary job through the census website or by contacting the Pike County Workforce Development Office at 570-296-2909.
Pictured above, from left to right, are: Pike County Planning Director Michael Mrozinski; Pike County Commissioners Ronald Schmalzle, Matthew Osterberg, and Steve Guccini; Pike County Workforce Development Director Cynthia DeFebo; and U.S. Census Bureau Partnership Specialist Colleen LaRose.