8 things Citrus Heights residents should know about the 2020 Census

By Rylie Friesen-
Beginning March 12, households in Citrus Heights and across the country will begin receiving invitations to complete the 2020 Census.

Last month, the City of Citrus Heights aired a Facebook live Q&A video with U.S. Census Bureau spokeswoman Tanya Kravchuk, answering common questions about the census. Kravchuk grew up in Citrus Heights and is an alumna of Mesa Verde High School.

In her interview, Kravchuk answered some questions about the census.

Why is the Census conducted?

The census is a nationwide headcount of the total United States population that takes place every ten years and is mandated by the U.S. Constitution for purposes of determining how many representatives each state will have in congress. Billions of dollars in federal funding are also allocated to states and communities based on census data.

How does the Census affect me and my community?

The census is viewed as critical to cities like Citrus Heights due to the federal funding it results in. Kravchuk said it is estimated that every person counted on a census form results in about $10,000 brought back to their community over the next 10 years, until the next census.

“My family is going to bring $60,000 to this community. You’re welcome,” Kravchuk joked, noting she has four children.

In Citrus Heights, newly drawn district lines for the City Council will also be redrawn by the 2022 election, using population data from the 2020 Census to ensure each voting district has roughly the same population. Read more: New Citrus Heights district map ensures one councilman gets booted in 2020

How can I participate in the Census?

There are three ways to fill out the census: online, over the phone with a live person, or by mail. Kravchuk said filling out the Census will take about 10 minutes per person. “For my family, I’ll be doing this for an hour for the census, but it impacts the next 10 years of my life, of my children’s lives.”

Is information shared with on Census forms private?

Kravchuk said the census has a strict confidentiality policy. “That means we don’t share it with ICE, we don’t share it with the FBI, we don’t share it with the president. And we certainly don’t share it with your landlord,” she said.

Personally identifiable data from the census does become public after 72 years. Kravchuk said this is often helpful for genealogical purposes.

What is the deadline?

Self-response starts March 12 and continues through the end of April. Kravchuk said the Census Bureau is seeking to have all responses by April 1, the benchmark “Census Day,” but responses are accepted through the end of April.

What about those who can’t speak English?

For those that can’t speak English, there are twelve non-English languages that are available by phone or through an online form.

What questions are on the Census form?

A list of nine questions posted on 2020census.gov includes the primary question: “How many people were living or staying in this house, apartment, or mobile home on April 1, 2020?” A followup question asks: “Were there any additional people staying here on April 1, 2020, that you did not include in Question 1?”

Additional questions ask about whether the home is rented or owned. The Census-taker is also asked to provide their phone number, along with the name, sex, age, date of birth, and race for each person living in the residence. The Census also asks whether persons listed are of Hispanic origin.

What if someone is expecting a baby?

April 1 is the benchmark date for babies to be included in the count. If a baby is born on or before that date, they should be included.

Additional information is available at 2020census.gov.