IMPORTANCE OF THE 2020 CENSUS
The 2020 Census will count every person living in Orange County, the United States and U.S. territories. The census is conducted every 10 years by the U.S. Census Bureau, a nonpartisan government agency.
The results determine congressional representation and federal funding for states and communities, including Orange County. Every year, more than $675 billion goes toward hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, housing programs, emergencies and natural disasters from information collected by the census.
As of April 1, 2020, Orange County households should have received an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census and residents will have three options to respond – online, phone or by mail. Residents are required by law to participate in the 2020 count. All responses are confidential.
Census Deadline
Census takers will begin visiting households that have not responded to Census 2020. Their goal is to help you and everyone in your home be counted in the 2020 Census. Census takers will wear masks and abide by all local health guidelines. All census takers will wear an ID badge with their photograph and the U.S. Department of Commerce watermark.
If you are not home when the census takers visit your home, they will leave a notice of their visit and information on how you can respond to the Census.
CENSUS COMPLETION
The United States Census Bureau is making it easier than ever before for people to respond to the Census.
In previous years, the primary method of responding to the Census was to receive a questionnaire in the mail, complete it and mail it back. For the 2020 Census, the internet is a primary method for households to respond. Mail and phone responses are still accepted.
While we are social distancing, we urge residents to complete the 2020 Census questionnaire online or by phone as soon as possible. Our response to the census impact us especially during times of emergency. Most federal aid is based on census data.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I respond?
Respond online by going to my2020Census.gov or call 844-330-2020.
- What if I need the questionnaire in a different language?
Call 844-330-2020 to request a questionnaire in a different language.
- How do I know who counts in my household?
Everyone who is living in your house as of April 1 should be counted, even if you are not related or are renting rooms.
- Must I have the code to participate for my household?
No. You can go online or call, provide your address and then complete your questionnaire.
- What about my relatives in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, prisons, jail or college?
You do not need to include these individuals in your count. The Census Bureau will count them in a separate process.
- What if someone only lives in my house seasonally or for a short period of time?
If the person is living in your home on April 1, include them in your questionnaire. If the person lives with you more than six months out of the year, also include them in your questionnaire.
- How is Census 2020 being impacted by COVID-19?
All residents are still encouraged to complete the form as soon as possible, either online or by telephone. Some Census jobs will be delayed. For more information on jobs, go to https://2020census.gov/en/jobs.html.
About the 2020 Census Complete Count Committee
Complete Count Committees are nationwide volunteer committees established by state and local governments and community leaders to increase awareness and motivate residents to respond to the 2020 Census. The Orange County Complete Count Committee plays an integral role in ensuring a complete and accurate count of the community. Success of the census depends on community involvement and takes place June 2019 to October 2020. For more information about the Complete Count Committee, email OCCompleteCount@ocfl.net.
Why Does Local Government Have A Vested Interest In The Census?
- The census determines how many seats Orange County and Florida has in Congress.
- The U.S. Constitution requires that electoral districts be periodically adjusted or redrawn to account for population shifts.
- Recovery organizations like FEMA rely heavily on data collected by the census to help guide recovery efforts and plan for future emergencies.
Orange County Programs That Receive Funding From Census Counts
- Emergency management and response funding
- Early childhood education programs including Head Start
- Free and reduced school meal programs at Orange County Public Schools
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Adoption and foster parent assistance programs
- Federal student aid like Pell Grants