Census 2020

Count everyone once, only once, and in the right

 

Chesapeake Counts!  

Once a decade, America comes together to count every resident in the United States. The Census counts our population and households, providing the basis for reapportioning congressional seats, redistricting, and distributing more federal funds annually to support states, counties and communities’ vital programs — impacting housing, education, transportation, employment, health care and public policy.  

The Census determines how millions of dollars in federal funding will get distributed and it determines our representation in Congress.  Here's a report showing the programs and amount of money allocated from the 2010 Census for Virginia.  Additionally, the Chesapeake Census 2020 Complete Count Committee (CCC), appointed by Mayor West, created a pamphlet with examples of local programs using Census apportioned funds.

2020 Census Self-Response Rate Map   

What is American Community Survey? 

After the 2000 Census, the American Community Survey (ACS) was created.  The questions formerly asked on the Decennial Census were divided between a  “short” and “long” form.  The U.S. Census, conducted every 10 years, became the short form while the American Community Survey is now composed of short and long form questions.   The U.S. Census is distributed to every household in the United States.  It typically consists of basic questions related to age, sex, race, Hispanic origin, household relationships, and owner/renter status.  However, the American Community Survey collects more detailed information that not only includes basic short-form questions, but also comprehensive questions about population and housing characteristics.  The ACS is compiled every year from a random sampling of 295,000 addresses a month across the United States.  The U.S. Census Bureau will notify ACS participants by mail and include instructions for completing the survey online or by paper.  Some households may receive both the ACS and the Census 2020 survey.  Households should complete both surveys.

For more information on the American Community Survey (ACS), please see the following links:

• American Community Survey and the 2020 Census FAQ
• American Community Survey Information Guide (pdf)