The census is a count of every person who lives in the United States and its territories, every 10 years. It includes a few simple questions about things like age, sex, and the number of people who live in your home. Responses to census questions provide a snapshot of the nation. Census results affect your voice in government, how much funding your community receives, and how your community plans for the future.
All responses are safe and protected under Title 13 of the United States Code. By law, your personal information cannot be used against you or against anyone else by any government agency or court—and it can’t be accessed by the police department, DHS, ICE, FBI, or CIA. The data collected from the census is solely used for statistical purposes. Visit 2020CENSUS.GOV for more information on how the Census Bureau protects your data.
The US Census Bureau has made a number of major improvements since the 2010 Census, including new options for responding. This year, you can respond to the 2020 Census online, by phone, or by mail. Online and phone response will be available in English and 12 other languages.
An accurate count of Grand County residents helps make sure that more than $675 billion in federal funds is directed each year to the right places to support education, health care, emergency services, and more. A complete and accurate count is also critical for determining how many representatives each state will have in Congress. As of now, Colorado is projected to add a representative. Every person not counted is an estimated $15,000 lost in federal funding until the next census is conducted, equivalent to $1,500 per person per year. Visit 2020CENSUS.GOV for more information on why your answers matter and what the data is used for.
While the US Census Bureau is the sole entity conducting the 2020 Census, Grand County Government is excited to be partnering with them to ensure that Grand County, Colorado is counted accurately; to promote and educate our communities about the importance of the Census; and to provide resources that support and motivate response.
We encourage your participation in the 2020 Census and want to remind you to count everyone living in your home, including newborns, older individuals, and people who are not family members. In general, you should count yourself where you live and sleep most of the time. If it is difficult to pinpoint a primary residence, then count yourself at the location of your residence on April 1, 2020. Invitations to respond will not be mailed to P.O. Boxes, instead most invitations will be hand-delivered by a Census taker beginning on March 15, 2020.
Visit 2020CENSUS.GOV to learn more about the census and how to respond.