2020 Census

By Pila
March 10, 2020
To: Campus Community
From: Government and Community Relations
Subject: 2020 Census
Date: Mar 10, 2020

The 2020 census count begins soon and it is important for our Wildcat community – and our Southern Arizona community – that we have a complete and accurate count. We ask for your help letting all Wildcats know "You Count Here."

Every person living anywhere in the United States and five U.S. territories will be counted in the 2020 census. Students should be counted where they live most of the time, so most of our students should be counted where they live during the school year, not at their place of permanent residence.

The decennial census is a rare opportunity to understand who we are, where we live, and how we're growing as a community. Census data plays an important role in shaping the next 10 years of our lives.

You likely know that census data is used to determine political districts and Arizona's representatives in Washington, but did you also know that $675 billion in annual funds are allocated to states based on population? These funds are used for schools, hospitals, roads, public works and other vital programs such as school safety programs, Pell Grants, adult education grants, community mental health services, student wellness programs and medical assistance programs.

2020 Census Timeline

  • March 12-20: Check your mailbox! You will begin receiving official U.S. Census Bureau mail with detailed information on how to respond to the 2020 census. For the first time, you will be able to respond online, although phone and mail options are also available. Remember: You count where you live most of the time.
  • April 1: Census Day is observed nationwide. By this date, every home will receive an invitation to participate. Once the invitation arrives, you should respond for your home in one of three ways: online, by phone or by mail. When you respond to the census, you'll tell the U.S. Census Bureau where you live as of April 1, 2020.
  • April 9: Census-takers will begin visiting houses and apartments in the University area that haven't responded to the 2020 census to help make sure everyone is counted.

There will be several informational sessions on campus where you can learn more about the census and get the information you need to answer students' questions. For information about these sessions, or to request resources to help spread the word, or for any other census-related matters, please contact CensusIntern@arizona.edu. Together we can help ensure a complete census count for our Wildcat community.

Resources for the Media