The 2030 Census
Participating in the Census is a simple but powerful way to make a difference in your community. By ensuring an accurate count, you help shape the future for everyone.
What is the Census?
The census is a count of everyone living in the United States, and it occurs every ten years. The first census took place in 1790.
Why is the Census important?
The census helps the government decide how much money to invest in communities and how much political power and representation communities receive.
Money for Programs that Help Your Community
You (and every person living in North Carolina…even the babies) …count for more than $1,600 each a year in funding to support school lunches for North Carolina’s children, medication for North Carolina seniors, affordable housing for North Carolina residents, Federal Pell grants for North Carolina colleges and universities, better and safer roads for North Carolina communities and more!
Services and Infrastructure for Your Community
When you count, key decision-makers have the data they need to make informed decisions on where services and businesses should be located. This could mean a new school for a community, access to bus services in a neighborhood, or a new business in your city or town that will bring more jobs to your community.
Fair Political Representation and Power
It is your right to be counted! The Decennial Census is the backbone of our country’s democracy and is mandated by the Constitution. When you count, you determine the distribution of political power in Congress. As a result of the 2020 Census data, North Carolina gained a congressional seat, increasing its representation from 13 to 14 in the House of Representatives.
Who gets counted in the Census?
Everyone living in the United States should be counted in the census. Your age, immigration status, criminal record, or eligibility to vote DO NOT MATTER. If you live in the United States, you should be counted in the census.
How To Complete the Census
You must complete the census every ten years, years ending in zero. Be sure to count everyone living in your household, regardless of their relationship to you. You can submit the census by mail, online, or by phone. It is also available in many languages.
How to Get Involved
Spread The Word
Educate your family and community about the importance of being counted in each Decennial Census and encourage their participation. You can do this by sharing information on social media, discussing it at community events, and explaining why it matters.
View Information
Respond
When it’s time for the Census (April 1, 2030), make sure to respond. You can do this online, by mail, or by phone. It only takes a few minutes, but it has a big impact on your community.
Volunteer
You can partner with us, one of our local partners, or the Census Bureau to promote participation. Volunteer with local groups to help spread awareness and assist others in completing their Census forms. Connect with us by joining our mailing list or search our website to find a NC Counts Coalition member in your community.
Our 2020 Census Outreach Efforts
We encourage you to review our 2020 Census Impact Report to understand how our cross-sector partnerships and coalition of trusted messengers have made a significant difference. Our grassroots strategies were crucial in raising awareness and engaging residents statewide. The report details the collaborative efforts we undertook during our 2020 Census outreach to ensure every community in North Carolina was counted, especially those traditionally undercounted. This report provides insights into the challenges we faced, the solutions we implemented, and the positive outcomes achieved through our collective efforts. Our census outreach infrastructure proved to be highly effective and remains intact, continuing to support all of our outreach efforts. As we grow and strengthen our coalition, this infrastructure will be instrumental in preparing for the 2030 census.
Census 101: Make NC Count
The 2020 Census – Watch this 2-minute video to learn about the importance of the Census and what’s at stake for North Carolina.
