Census 2020

San Benito Counts

The County of San Benito is currently carrying out an urgent, time-sensitive project to make sure that our communities are not undercounted in the upcoming 2020 Census.

What is the Census?

The U.S. Constitution requires a headcount every ten years of each person, including children and undocumented immigrants, in the United States. The information gathered from the census survey is incredibly important as it determines the number of U.S. Representatives each state has in the House of Representatives and how $675 billion should be distributed each year to states and local governments.

When will the census count take place?

The Census will begin recording responses on April 2020. For the first time, the Census Bureau will permit respondents to answer the survey online, by mail, or by phone.

Who should be counted?

Everyone! People of all ages, races, ethnicities, citizens and noncitizens should be included in the survey count.

Is Census data confidential?

Yes, Federal Law protects your information ,Census responses are confidential and protected under Title 13 of the United States Code. The Census Bureau will never share personal information with immigration or law enforcement agencies. Employees of the Census Bureau also swear a lifetime oath to protect respondent data. It is against the law for any Census Bureau employee to disclose or publish any census or survey information that identifies an individual or business. This is true even for inter-agency communication: the FBI and other government entities do not have the legal right to access this information. As a result, the Census Bureau has one of the strongest confidentiality guarantees in the federal government.

For more information visit the Census Privacy & Confidentiality, or learn more about Title 13.

Why the Census matters?

The 2020 Census is so much more than just a head count; it’s an opportunity for San Benito County to be counted. It is a picture of America which defines how many congressional seats are apportioned, how state and federal dollars are dispersed, redistricting, where businesses chose to open new stores. Every Californian has the constitutional right to be counted. The count needs to be accurate to display who we are, what we look like, and what our needs are as these are a key factor in defining the distribution of resources to our country. The next count will be on April 1, 2020, and will be the first to rely heavily on online responses, let’s empower our community to be heard and counted. An undercount of the population would have far-reaching consequences for San Benito County, as every individual not counted impacts of $2000 per year in lost resources, over a 10-year span than $20,000 for each individual not counted. In 2010 San Benito County had an estimated undercount of It could skew the data that is used to determine how many congressional representations is set, how billions of dollars a year are allocated, including for schools and hospitals.

# SanBenitoCounts

What are ways to get involved in the effort?

There are job and volunteer opportunities to ensure a successful Census count. Students seeking to complete community service hours are also encouraged to join the complete count effort. You may also get involved by encouraging friends and family to complete the Census survey in April 2020.

Please stay tuned for information about volunteer opportunities.