City of College Station

Who Should Be Counted? And Where?

When determining where you should be counted, the Census Bureau states someone should be counted, or enumerated, at their usual address if they:

   •  Live or stay at the residence most of the time; or
   •  Stayed there on April 1, 2020 and had no permanent place to live; or
   •  Stay at the residence more time than any other place they might live or stay

For most college or university students, it may be confusing as to where they would be counted. Would they be counted at their parent’s home since they pay the bills or because their parent’s claim them as dependents? The answer is no. They should be counted where they live most of the time.

For college students that are in their hometown due to COVID-19, please follow the three C's to help us ensure a complete count: 

Complete the Census: If you live in College Station most of the time while attending school, you should complete the Census according to your physical address here in College Station. Even if you are temporarily somewhere else on April 1 due to COVID-19. You don't have to wait to get the mail out to complete the census, you can complete it today at 2020census.gov.

Coordinate with roommates: If you live with roommates in College Station, coordinate with each other to ensure that only one roommate completes the Census for everyone at that physical address. Only one person per household should complete the census. 

Communicate with your family: Talk with your family to ensure you are counted at the physical address where you live most of the time, and that they don't count you. Your family has the option to include you in their Census count but should answer “Yes, for college” when asked “Does this person usually live or stay somewhere else?”

Responding to the Census

Every household will have the option of responding online, by mail, or by phone. Nearly every household will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census from either a postal worker or a census worker. 

95% of households:
Will receive their census invitation in the mail.

Almost 5% of households:
Will receive their census invitation when a census taker drops it off. In these areas, the majority of households may not receive mail at their home’s physical location (like households that use PO boxes or areas recently affected by natural disasters). 


Less than 1% of households
Will be counted in person by a census taker, instead of being invited to respond on their own. This is done in very remote areas like parts of northern Maine, remote Alaska, and in select Native American areas that ask to be counted in person. 

Note: The Census Bureau has special procedures to count people who don’t live in households, such as students living in university housing or people experiencing homelessness.


What to Expect in the Mail

When it’s time to respond, most households will receive an invitation in the mail. Every household will have the option of responding online, by mail, or by phone. Depending on how likely your area is to respond online, you’ll receive either get an invitation encouraging you to respond online or an invitation along with a paper questionnaire.


Letter Invitation
•Most areas of the country are likely to respond online, so most households will receive a letter asking you to go online to complete the census questionnaire.
•The Census Bureau will work with the U.S. Postal Service to stagger the delivery of these invitations over several days.


Letter Invitation and Paper Questionnaire
Areas that are less likely to respond online will receive a paper questionnaire along with their invitation. The invitation will also include information about how to respond online or by phone. 


Every household will receive reminders and will eventually receive a paper questionnaire if they haven’t responded to the initial invitations. It doesn’t matter which initial invitation you get or how you get it, the Census Bureau we will follow up in person with all households that don’t respond.

2018
March: Census Bureau delivers questions to Congress

April: Open 6 regional census centers

October: Full implementation of the communications program

October: Partnership specialists begin working for Census Bureau

The Census Bureau is looking for people to help with the 2020 census. Interested? Apply today!

•View and apply for jobs with the 2020 census

Earn Extra Money

Could you use a little extra income? Jobs for the 2020 Census offer competitive wages that are paid weekly. Authorized expenses, such as mileage, are reimbursed for employees doing fieldwork.


Support Your Community

Decennial census data are used to determine your representation in Congress, as well as how funds are spent for roads, schools, hospitals, and more. Help ensure that everyone in your community is counted in the next decennial census.


Fit Your Schedule

Temporary positions for the 2020 Census feature flexible hours—a perfect fit if you are looking to earn a little extra money, even if you already have other commitments.


Be a Part of History

Every 10 years since 1790, the United States has undertaken the momentous task of counting all of its residents. This is your chance to play a role.