The 2020 Census is here! By participating in this year’s count, you are helping your community and its future. Learn more about the Census and how it impacts us directly in Cedar Falls:
What is the Census?
The Census is a count of every person in the United States by the U.S. Census Bureau. It takes place every 10 years and is critical for determining each state’s representation in Congress and the distribution of more than $650 billion in federal funding for vital programs like public education, public housing, roads and bridges, and much more.
Why is the Census important to me?
Responding to the Census directly affects the amount of funding our community receives. It also impacts our state’s representation in the government by determining how many seats Iowa is allocated in the House of Representatives. Data from the Census is used to help public services and funding for schools, hospitals, and public safety. It is also used to plan new homes, businesses, and improve neighborhoods.
When do I complete the Census?
Census forms were mailed to households in mid-March. The form includes instructions on how to fill it out online or by phone. It can also be filled out by mail. If a household does not respond by mid-May, the Census Bureau will conduct a follow-up. By completing the form immediately, you can save taxpayer money and bring approximately $20,000 dollars to our community.
As of April 1, 2020, Black Hawk County had a 45 percent self-response rate. Our goal is 100 percent!
What is on the Census?
The Census is a short survey consisting of seven questions regarding how many people are living in the home as of April 1, 2020. Everyone needs to be counted including infants. The information is secure and is only used to prepare statistical records.
The questions on the census are as follows:
- Whether the home is owned or rented.
- About the sex of each person in your home.
- About the age of each person in your home.
- About the race of each person in your home.
- About whether a person in your home is of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin.
- About the relationship of each person in your home.
Who needs to be counted in my home?
Each individual is counted separately, regardless of any demographic differences such as age or gender-based, on where they live and sleep most of the time. This includes college students and citizens of foreign countries. For example, University of Northern Iowa students who live in Cedar Falls during the school year but go to a separate city during summer break would still count Cedar Falls as their home on the census.
As our community works through the COVID-19 emergency together, it is more important than ever to conduct a complete count of our population and receive our fair share of federal funding. Fill your Census out today and help spread the word to neighbors, friends, and family (from a safe distance, of course!). Learn more about the 2020 Census at youcount-bhc.com.