In a few weeks, Wednesday, April 1, 2020, will arrive — the measurement date for the 2020 Census. April is also when the U.S. Census Bureau is scheduled to release its estimates of 2019 population numbers.
Next, the Census Bureau will conduct follow-up efforts through July, aimed at improving the accuracy of the count. Many local governments in South Carolina have created Complete Count Committees to improve response rates. Existing estimates show that this census will be a significant one for South Carolina. The 2010 Census counted 4.6 million people living in South Carolina, a number that grew to about 5.1 million by the 2018 estimate.
Municipal governments have a huge interest in making sure every resident is counted, and they can stay involved up to and even after Census Day. Data from the 2020 Census will contribute to many funding decisions. At the federal level, the numbers will help to determine who receives billions of dollars of funding for areas like transportation, healthcare and education. The data also drives South Carolina’s Local Government Fund allocations.
2020 Census resources
- www.2020census.gov – full 2020 Census information, including timelines
- 2020 Census Toolkit for State and Local Officials
- Faith communities 2020 Census action guide
- Responding to the 2020 Census without a Census ID – The 2020 Census is the first time that residents can respond online or by phone. Their invitation to respond will include a unique Census ID, but it is also possible to respond without one.