The U.S. Census has a long and complicated history since its inception in 1790 and has proven to be reflective of present-day socio-economic, legal, and cultural issues. Its importance is frequently misunderstood due to lack of internet and English proficiency, fear and the belief that it was used to locate people living in the country without documentation, the belief that it helps the FBI keep track of people who break the law, and the concern that their answers were truly confidential. Despite these fears, our voices matter. And more importantly, including our community in the count will ensure the proper federal funds are allocated to support young children, college students, older people, and low-income populations. To better understand the importance of the U.S. Census, we’ve included an in-depth history and studies conducted to further support the education and fair count of all populations.

History of the U.S. Census

The U.S. Census was initiated in 1790, under Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson and mandated by Article I, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution. Before the 1790 order, the census was primarily utilized to tax or confiscate property or to draft youth to the service. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, “Congress assigned responsibility for the 1790 census to the marshals of the U.S. judicial districts under an act which, with minor modifications and extensions, governed census taking through 1840.” The first census included six questions and was initially created to count every person in the US and based off those numbers, finalize representation in Congress. As reference, the six questions asked:

• The number of free White males aged:
  • under 16 years
  • of 16 years and upward
• Number of free White females
• Number of other free persons
• Number of slaves

Source _[1]

Before 1950, information on race was obtained primarily by enumerator observation, then in 1960 and 1970 by a combination of direct interview and self-identification. “The population of Hispanic origin (of any race) was first identified comprehensively in the decennial census in 1970.” In 1980 and 1990 race was obtained only by self-identification, and in the 2000 census respondents could report more than one race.  As a result of changes in the questions on race and Hispanic origin, we have to keep in mind that data on race are not totally comparable over time and that “racial categories used in the decennial census have reflected social usage rather than an attempt to define race biologically or genetically.” For further details on the historical research conducted by the Census Bureau staff and utilized in this article, please reference the Census Working Paper on “Historical Census Statistics on Population by Race, 1790 to 1990.”

Misunderstandings about the Census

In preparation for the 2020 Census, the U.S. Census Bureau’s Communications Research and Analytics Team (CRAT) conducted the 2020 Census Barriers, Attitudes, and Motivators Study Survey (CBAMS) to develop strategies to address gaps in knowledge about the census, what barriers would prevent people from completing the census, and what would motivate people to complete the census. In the study, they found the following barriers would prevent people from completing the census:

“The analysis revealed five barriers that might prevent people from participating in the census:

• Concerns about data privacy and confidentiality. Roughly a quarter of respondents were concerned about the confidentiality of answers to the 2020 Census, but racial and ethnic minorities were significantly more concerned about confidentiality than NH Whites.
• Fear of repercussions. Roughly a quarter of respondents were concerned their answers to the 2020 Census would be used against them. NH Asians, householders not proficient in English, and those born outside of the U.S. were the most concerned.
• Distrust in all levels of government. Distrust in government was high for everyone, with the highest levels of distrust among NH small-sample races, NH Whites, NH Blacks, people born in the United States, and people who are proficient in English.
• A lack of efficacy. Many did not feel it matters whether they are personally counted in the 2020 Census. Young people were the least likely to believe it matters if they are counted.
• Belief that completing the census could not benefit them personally. Across almost all demographic characteristics, more people predicted that answering the census could bring benefits to their community than to them personally.” _[2]

To address major concerns in today’s climate, Congresswoman Linda Sánchez has helped reassure constituents about the 2020 Census with the following reminder:

“Be Counted!

As a reminder, the 2020 Census is happening now. It’s important to me and you because it’s about fair representation, funding, and our future.

Here are a few things to remember about the 2020 Census:

• It’s a count of who LIVES in America, regardless of immigration status. There is NO citizenship question on the 2020 Census.
• Your personal data is protected by federal law and cannot be released to anyone, including the IRS, immigration officials, and landlords.
• Don’t forget to include children born on or before April 1, 2020.
• It only takes a few minutes and can be completed online, by mail, or by phone!” _[3]

Importance of the Census

The U.S. Census will help determine and ensure each community receives its “fair share of the more than $675 billion per year in federal funds spent on schools, hospitals, roads, public works and other vital programs.” The information gathered helps businesses decide where to build factories, stores, and create jobs. It helps developers decide where to build new homes and local government ensure resources for public safety and emergency services. As mandated by Article I, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution, the census numbers will determine how the 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives will be divided among the 50 states. The apportionment of representatives will be the first data published from the 2020 census and will determine the number of seats each state will have in the House of Representatives for the next 10 years. It is important to keep this in mind and ensure that each jurisdiction receives fair representation and has their concerns heard in the House.

Data Tools to help track important census data:

• Quickfacts – Census Bureau Information at the national, state, county, and city level
• Explore Census Data – Streamlines the way data and digital content from the Census Bureau is received
• Data Tools and Apps – Interactive apps for statistics from multiple surveys
• 2020 Census Response Rate Map – A map with up to date response rates from across the U.S.

Source [4]

Remember, You Count. Now and always. Please share with your community the importance of completing the census and fill yours out today.

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Additional Resources:

• 2020 Census Operational Adjustments Due to COVID-19
• Poster with original and new schedule of Key Dates
• Census Data Tools courtesy of US Census Bureau

2020 Census Response Rate Map

• Share with your community and encourage they be counted today

2020 Census Toolkit for State and Local Officials

2020 Census Outreach Materials

Censuses to Keep in Mind:

• Decennial Census: once-a-decade population and housing count of all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Island Area
• Economic Census: Measures the nation’s economy every five years, providing vital statistics for virtually every industry and geographic area in the country
• Census of Governments: Provides comprehensive data about the 90,000 state and local governments in the nation every five years.