What is the Census?

The census is a count of every person who lives in the United States and its territories. It happens every 10 years. In early 2020, you will be asked to count everyone who lives in your home as of April 1. Responding to the 2020 Census is a chance to shape your future.

The Census Bureau never asks for:

  • Social Security Numbers
  • Money or donations
  • Bank or credit card account numbers
  • Anything on behalf of a political party

If someone claiming to be from the Census Bureau contacts you via phone or email and asks for one of the above, it is a scam. Do not provide additional information.

The 2020 Census can be completed by phone in the following languages:

English: 844-330-2020 Vietnamese: 844-461-2020 Portuguese: 844-474-2020
Spanish: 844-468-2020 Tagalog: 844-478-2020 Russian: 844-417-2020
Chinese (Mandarin): 844-391-2020 Arabic: 844-416-2020 English (for Puerto Rico residents): 844-418-2020
Chinese (Cantonese): 844-398-2020 French: 844-494-2020 Spanish (for Puerto Rico residents): 844-426-2020
Japanese: 844-460-2020 Haitian Creole: 844-477-2020 TDD (Telephone Display Device): 844-467-2020
Korean: 844-392-2020 Polish: 844-479-2020  

To help you respond, the Census Bureau also offers web pages and guides in 59 non-English languages, including American Sign Language, as well as guides in Braille and large print.