The census is a population count required by the U.S. Constitution once every 10 years, to count every resident – regardless of origin or legal status – in the United States. The census counts everyone living in the country in order to provide an accurate population count that is used as the basis for reapportioning congressional seats, redistricting at all governmental levels, and determining how to distribute more than $675 billion in federal funding annually among the states and communities for the next 10 years. These federal dollars support our local schools, healthcare services, transportation infrastructure and systems, and much more.
Data from the 2020 census will set the foundation for important federal, state, and local changes that will impact our community in Siena for the next decade.
What’s at Risk?
Being undercounted by even one percent in 2020 is estimated to cost Texas at least $300 million a year in lost federal funding. The United Way of Greater Austin estimates that in Central Texas, a one percent undercount of the population could translate to $25 million in lost revenue per year. That means Central Texas could lose at least $250 million in federal funding over the next 10 years.
Here’s What You Need to Know
Three Ways to Respond
By April 1, 2020, every home should have received an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. You will have three options for responding:
- Online.
- By phone.
- By mail.
In mid-March, households began receiving official Census Bureau mail with detailed information on how to respond to the 2020 Census. Taking the Census is easy, learn more about completing the 2020 Census.
What to Expect
🗓️ March 12–20: Invitations Mailed. An invitation to complete the 2020 Census online will be mailed to every household.
🗓️ March 16–24: Reminder Letters. A reminder letter will be mailed to complete the 2020 Census.
If you haven’t responded yet:
🗓️ March 26–April 3: Reminder Postcards. A reminder postcard will be mailed.
🗓️ April 8–16: Hard Copy Census Mailed. Another reminder letter and paper questionnaire will be mailed.
🗓️ April 20–27: Final Postcards Mailed. A final reminder postcard will be mailed before an in-person follow-up.
Be the Source of the Source
Learn more about the 2020 U.S. Census by visiting 2020Census.gov. Get the facts, learn how to respond, understand why your response matters, take the pledge, and learn how you can help get a complete and accurate count.
Get involved locally through the Austin-Travis County Census 2020 efforts to achieve a full and complete count for Central Texas. Learn how the 2020 Census could impact your community and how you can get involved in your neighborhood to help get a complete count.
All information taken from the Austin Board of Realtors 2020 Census Guide for the Austin area.
Kyle Pfaffe | Realtor® | 512-636-9707
