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Census 2020

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Link to City's Redistricting Webpage. 

RESPOND TODAY: New Census Deadline Moved to September 30, 2020

Census Laptop City Logo

The City of Whittier has partnered with the United States Census Bureau to participate in the U.S. Census and make sure that all those who call Whittier home are counted during the nationwide process. The census is important to the future of Whittier and can shape many aspects of our community. The results of the count will help to determine how nearly $700 billion in federal funding will be distributed to states and cities, so encouraging your friends and neighbors to fill it out is very important. The census also provides the basis for redistricting and reapportioning seats in Congress, ensuring that all those who live here have a voice.

As mandated by the U.S. Constitution, the census happens every 10 years with Census Day traditionally falling on April 1. Whittier households have already received an invitation to participate via one of three options: online, by phone, or by mail. Survey responses are protected by federal law and are confidential. This means that the federal government cannot use census data for any reason other than statistical purposes. However, the census isn’t only important for residents. Businesses can utilize demographics data to further economic development and job opportunities, and non-profit organizations, schools, or philanthropic groups are able to use census information to better direct funding, resources, and services to those in Whittier who need it most.

This year’s census is especially focused on making sure the traditionally hard to count groups, which may include local veterans, seniors, people experiencing homelessness, etc., are all counted. Your participation helps to provide an accurate picture of who we are as a city and further ensures that we remain a thriving, sustainable city for years to come.

The Census process has suffered greatly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and your response is critical to ensuring that Whittier's count is accurate. With only nine questions, the survey is short and easy to take. Although the U.S. Census Bureau had hoped for a later reporting date, the new response deadline has been moved to September 30, 2020. To take the census online today and learn more about how participation is vital to our community, please visit 2020census.gov.

Helpful Links & Resources

Handouts & Fact Sheets 

Key Census Dates & Timeline

  • JANUARY 2020: Launch of the LA County Regional Census 2020 public awareness campaign
  • MARCH 12, 2020: The Census Bureau begins mailing out invitations to fill out and complete the Census Survey to households across the nation
  • MARCH 23, 2020: National Census Week!
  • MID-MARCH 2020: Census Action Kiosks (CAKs) will open to the public as an option for filling out the Census Survey
  • MARCH 29-31, 2020: Enumeration of Transitory Population and population experiencing homelessness
  • APRIL 1, 2020: Census Day nationwide!
  • APRIL TO JULY 2020: Non-response follow-up and household visits to those who did not complete the Census Survey
  • JULY 31, 2020: End of the 2020 Census response period 

*AVOIDING CENSUS FRAUD AND SCAMS*

The U.S. Census Bureau is committed to making the 2020 Census quick, easy, and safe for all participants. Here are some tips to help you stay safe.

Staying Safe at Home

If someone visits your home to collect a response for the 2020 Census, verify their identity by checking to make sure that they have a valid ID badge, with their photograph, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark, and an expiration date.

If you still have questions about their identity, you can call (800) 923-8282 to speak with a local Census Bureau representative.

Staying Safe Online

Always remember that the Census Bureau will never ask for:

  • Your Social Security number
  • Your bank account or credit card numbers
  • Money or donations

Reporting Phishing or Suspected Fraud

If you suspect fraud, call (800) 923-8282 to speak with a local Census Bureau representative. If it is determined that the visitor who came to your door does not work for the Census Bureau, contact the Whittier Police Department at (562) 567-9200.