For every person in Hampton who is not counted in the Census, the city may lose out on roughly $2,000, per year, for the next 10 years. That’s why it’s important that every Hampton resident is accurately counted in 2020.
Every 10 years, the United States conducts a massive count of the nation’s population. Mandated by the U.S. Constitution, the Census directly impacts all of us at the local, state and federal level.
Census results determine how much federal money is allocated for Medicaid, highway planning and construction, Head Start, and much, much more. In 2016, Virginia received more than $17 billion through 55 federal programs — an amount based on the 2010 Census count.
Congressional seats are also apportioned based on a state’s population. Based on the 2010 Census, Virginia now has 11 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. An accurate reflection of the state’s population ensures we are adequately represented.
Fighting Rumors: the Census Bureau has created a webpage to address rumors and confusion about the 2020 Census.
Survey vs. Census: While Hampton and the rest of the country prepare for the 2020 Census, the American Community Survey is already underway. Don’t confuse the two. You can learn more about the survey online. Not sure you have been contacted by a verified Census worker? Check this website. Still uncertain? Call the Census’ regional office at 1-800-262-4236.
Important Dates
April 1, 2019 — City Council proclaimed this day Census Awareness Day
March 12-20, 2020 — Households received official Census Bureau mail with detailed information on how to respond to the 2020 Census online, by phone, or by mail.
April 1 — This is Census Day, a key reference date for the 2020 Census—not a deadline. We use this day to determine who is counted and where they are counted in the 2020 Census. When you respond, you’ll tell the Census Bureau where you live as of April 1, 2020, and include everyone who usually lives and sleeps in your home. You can respond before or after that date. We encourage you to respond as soon as you can.
Mid-April —The Census Bureau mailed paper questionnaires to homes that had not yet responded online or by phone.
April 16 – June 19 — Census takers will work with administrators at colleges, senior centers, prisons, and other facilities that house large groups of people to make sure everyone is counted.
May 27 – Aug. 14 —Census takers will interview homes that haven’t responded to the 2020 Census to help make sure everyone is counted.
December —The Census Bureau will deliver apportionment counts to the president and Congress as required by law.
Complete Count Committee
To make sure Hampton is completely and correctly counted in the 2020 Census, the City Council established a local Complete Count Committee. Learn more about the committee.
For every person in Hampton who is not counted in the Census, the city may lose out on roughly $2,000, per year, for the next 10 years. That’s why it’s important that every Hampton resident is accurately counted in 2020.