Census

The Census is a count of the population in all 50 States, the Disctrict of Columbia, and the five U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of he Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands).

The Census is mandated by the U.S. Constitution in Article 1, Section 2. It happens every 10 years. This is the 24th time it will be conducted.

The Census is conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, a nonpartisan government agency.

Why is the Census important to South Carolina and YOU?

Watch our video to learn more!

Each year, the Federal Government distributes approximately $675 billion (yes, billion) to the States.

South Carolina averages $7.1 billion in direct Federal aid to the State budget. That’s approximately $1,468 per person. We can do better!

Our population is estimated to have grown by 12% from the last Census in 2010. If we don’t get everyone counted, precious resources will be stretched THIN!

The Census is used to determine distribution of federal resources to each state. Census data is also used to guide decision making for:

Where schools, libraries, fire stations, and other public services are located
Allocation of resources for Medicaid, SNAP, the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, Head Start, and Highway Planning and Construction for the State of South Carolina.
How many seats are allocated to each state in the US House of Representatives. After the 2010 census, SC gained an additional seat to represent our growing population.
Data collected during the decennial census is mandated to confidential protection for 72 years. This means data cannot be used to impact any federal benefits a person receives.

View Lt. Governor Pamela Evette’s digital press conference takeaways and updates here.

How much do I matter?

We only get one chance every ten years to count each and every community member. If 100 people in your community aren’t counted, that represents more than $2.6M in federal resources that will be sent to other states instead of South Carolina over the course of the decade. We want everyone to count – one time – and in the right place!

Content from the United Way Association of South Carolina

The U.S. Census Bureau is now tabulating and verifying the final results of the 2020 Census. View their timeline here.

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