The census and why it matters

The basics

• The Constitution requires a count of the population every 10 years. Census Day is April 1 of the census year.
• The count includes everyone who usually lives in the U.S., of all ages, whether or not they are citizens.
• The results divide the 435 seats in the U.S. House among the states. This is called apportionment. A state can gain or lose seats.
• Census data helps guide how federal money is shared. In fiscal year 2021, at least 353 programs used it to help steer more than $2.8 trillion.
• States also use detailed census counts to redraw voting districts for Congress, state legislatures and local offices.

Why it matters to you

An accurate count affects how many representatives your state gets and how much federal money reaches programs like school lunches, roads, housing and health care near you.

Myth vs. fact

What you can do

• When the next census comes in 2030, make sure everyone in your home is counted.
• Help family and neighbors understand that personal census answers are kept confidential by law.
• Look up your community's census data to learn about the people who live there.