The 2020 Census is happening now, with census surveys hitting residents’ mailboxes through March 20. For the first time ever, respondents are able to complete the census online, by phone, or by postal service without the need to meet or socially interact with a census taker. Bryan County is encouraging everyone to respond online at www.my2020census.gov, as the community is urged to take precautions against the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus).  

The 2020 Census asks a few simple questions around who is living at every residence throughout the USA on April 1, 2020 (Census Day). Bryan County is appealing to everyone to respond promptly as the census data will be used to provide an overview of our nation that helps determine where to build new schools, hospitals, and businesses; how federal funding is distributed; and how congressional seats are apportioned. The census also helps us to see how our communities have changed over time, which is why an accurate head count is so important to fast growing Bryan County.

The Census Bureau is bound by Title 13 of the U.S. Code to protect personal information and keep every answer, to every question, anonymous and strictly confidential. The 2020 Census does not ask questions about citizenship and cannot be used to impact eligibility for government benefits, or used by any government agency, law enforcement or court. Census results only produce statistics and help determine how billions of dollars in federal funding flow into states and communities each year as mandated by the U.S. Constitution. The U.S. has counted its population every 10 years since 1790.

The U.S. Census Bureau is continuing to carefully monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and follow the guidance of federal, state and local health authorities. The Census Bureau stated, “We are adjusting some operations with two key principles in mind: protecting the health and safety of our staff and the public and fulfilling our statutory requirement to deliver the 2020 Census counts to the President on schedule. As of today, over 5 million have responded online to the 2020 Census. Currently, the planned completion date for data collection for the 2020 Census is July 31, 2020, however, that date can and will be adjusted if necessary, as the pandemic situation evolves in order to achieve a complete and accurate count.”