Who receives the Census questionnaire? How is it filled out?

CENSUS 2020

The person in the housing unit who fills out the Census questionnaire or talks to the Census taker is
known as Person 1.

Typically, Person 1 is the owner/co-owner or renter/co-renter of the housing unit.
Person 1 answers general questions about the housing unit, including the number of persons living there
and whether the dwelling is rented or owned.

Why does the Census ask for people’s names?

The Census questionnaire asks for people’s names to ensure that each household member is counted
only once. Names, along with other information in the questionnaire, helps Census workers to remove
extra records if a person appears more than once in the count.

Why does the Census ask how people in a household are related to each other?

By identifying the relationships between people in a household, census data enable us to recognize
important trends in our society.

• The number of people living with nonrelatives.
• Whether young adults are living with their parents or moving in with roommates.
• The number of households that include extended family members, such as in-laws or adult
  siblings.

Why does the Census ask participants whether they are male or female?

These data are used to allocate federal funding for education under the Higher Education Act of 1965
and to enforce rules against gender-based discrimination.

Why does the Census ask for both age and date of birth?
Age data are used in planning government programs that provide funding or services for specific age
groups. School facilities planning and Head Start funding both rely on Census age data. Age data are also
used in programs that provide services and assistance to seniors, such as the Low Income Home Energy
Assistance Program. Age data are also used to enforce laws against age discrimination.

Why does the Census ask about Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin?

Hispanic origin is considered separately from race in the census, and Hispanics may identify with any
race. Responses to this question are used for many purposes, such as identifying populations that may
not be getting needed medical services under the Public Health Service Act and monitoring equal
employment opportunities.

Why does the Census collect data on race?

Data on race are used to help communities ensure equal opportunity and determine how many people
are eligible for certain government programs, such as the Indian Health Service. Race data are also used
to enforce rules against race-based discrimination.

For more information, go online: 2020CENSUS.GOV