Fill out your 2020 census questionnaire!
Why does the census matter?
The City of South Bend and its partners are gearing up for Census 2020. Fill out the Census online by clicking here. An accurate count matters to our community for several reasons:
Funding
Results from the Census influence how $650+ billion in annual funds are distributed across the country. Programs affected by the census include:
- National School Lunch Program
- Head Start
- Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medical Assistance Program
- And many, many more
Equity
Everyone counts! Unfortunately some populations, like young children, tend to be undercounted.
Representation
Census data apportion seats for the House of Representatives, school districts, and other legislative districts.
Community Research
Census data helps nonprofits and other mission-driven organizations develop and evaluate community programs.
But what about my privacy?
By Federal law, Census responses are confidential and cannot be shared with anyone, including law enforcement, immigration, and tax agencies.
How do I fill out the census?
You’ll be able to respond online, by mail, or by phone. If you don’t want to or can’t respond in those ways, a Census worker will visit your home to check on the status of your Census form. Check back on this page for more information as Census 2020 gets closer.
What is Census Day?
Census Day is on April 1, 2020. This means that you’ll fill out your Census form based on your household on that date.
How to get involved
Learn how you can support a complete and accurate Census 2020 count for our community.
Join the local team that will coordinate the count and collect information in our area.
Read more about Census 2020 and spread the word about why it matters to friends, family, and neighbors.
Did you know that St. Joseph County had several community areas that had low response rates in the last Census? In 2020, we’re working to improve our area’s response rates. Click on the link below to explore more.
Questions? Comments? Ideas? Get in touch with the City and our partners by emailing census2020@southbendin.gov
Join the South Bend Census 2020 Network
The City of South Bend and the St. Joseph County Public Library are partnering together in preparation for the 2020 Census. We’re recruiting a collection of local organizations across the City (“Census Champions”) to create a network of support for an inclusive Census 2020 count in South Bend.
Learn more about the South Bend Census Champion and apply to be a South Bend Champion here.
Other Resources
Census 101
Why is it important for Hoosiers to fill out the Census in 2020?
The 2020 Census at a Glance
Our Partners
