Every Person Counts: The Importance of the 2020 Census

WHY THE CENSUS MATTERS

As REALTORS®, you are an expert on your community and a protector of its wellbeing, which is why it is so important to ensure your clients and community are filling out their 2020 Census forms. The Census is one way to guarantee your community and business are set up for success for the next 10 years, as the results will determine a multitude of resources and outcomes.

Redistricting

The results of the Census are used to adjust and redraw electoral districts based on increases or decreases in population. The Census Bureau provides states with population data for legislatures and bipartisan commissions to redraw congressional districts.

Federal Fund Allocation

The allocation of $1.5 trillion in federal funding is determined by the Census. This impacts:
  • Your morning commute, as this money may go towards highway and road planning, as well as public transportation.
  • Your local schools, as money may be provided to specific school programs such as Head Start or school lunches, and for the support of teachers and special education programs.
  • Your emergency responders, including monetary support for fire stations.
  • Your public works, such as water and waste systems.
  • Your hospitals and their operations.

Business Insights

Business, such as restaurants, factories and, yes, associations like the Chicago Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®, use these results to make decisions or provide accurate data to our clients or members. Specifically, our association and other real estate associations will be able to compare our data against Census information to determine its accuracy, forecast and make projections for the future, and evaluate trends in housing demands, migration and household formation, amongst many other things.

Government Representation

The Census helps to determine how many seats are given to each state in the House of Representatives, which impacts elections, lawmaking and more. It is also important to keep in mind the financial impact that not completing the Census has on your community. For every person that is not counted, your community will lose an average of $1,400 per year, which is money that could be used to help create a stronger community.  

Extended Timeline to Complete the Census

The US Census Bureau will begin following up with those that haven’t completed the survey on April 11, and all submissions are due on October 31. This has been extended because of the COVID-19 outbreak. By December of this year, the results will be counted and provided to our government. By March 31, 20201, redistricting counts will be sent to every state to redraw legislative districts. Make sure to encourage your friends, families and clients to make their communities and businesses stronger by completing the 2020 Census. It’s all about fair representation!