Approximately 10% of Kansas’ current residents (or 284,680 residents) are considered Hard-To-Count. It’s vital to all residents that Kansas gets an accurate count for the 2020 Census so that all communities have access to valuable federal funding. Learn more below and make sure that you and your family are counted in the 2020 Census.

What is the US Census?

The Census is a head count of every person living in the United States, conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau every 10 years. The last Census was taken in 2010. 

How do I respond to the Census?

Invitations to respond to the 2020 Census will be delivered to homes beginning in March 2020. Once you receive that invitation, you may respond to the short questionnaire: 

• Online
• By Phone: 800.354.7271
• By Mail: The Census Bureau will automatically send you a paper form if you do not complete the survey online.

Census Day is April 1, 2020. It’s a key reference date for the 2020 Census. When completing the census, you will include everyone living in your home on April 1, 2020. Learn more about ways to respond to the Census.

Why is the Census conducted? 

The Census provides critical data that lawmakers, business owners, teachers, and many others use to provide daily services, products, and support for you and your community. Every year, billions of dollars in federal funding go to hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and other resources based on census data. 

The results of the Census also determine the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives, and they are used to draw congressional and state legislative districts. 

It’s also in the Constitution: Article 1, Section 2, mandates that the country conduct a count of its population once every 10 years.  The 2020 Census will mark the 24th time that the country has counted its population since 1790. 

Am I required to participate in the Census?

Yes, participating in the Census is required by the law. 

Where can I go to fill out my Census questionnaire online if I don’t have a computer or Wi-Fi?

The following libraries and community buildings within the SKT service area have computers and free Wi-Fi for public use in completing 2020 Census questionnaires online. Check with each location for hours of operation. 

• Belle Plaine Public Library, 222 W. 5th Ave., Belle Plaine, KS – 4 Computers 
• Burden City Hall, 401 N. Main St., Burden, KS – 1 Computer
• Joseph’s Storehouse, 424 N. Main St., Burden, KS – 1 Computer
• Cedar Vale Memorial Library, 608 Cedar St., Cedar Vale, KS – 4 Computers
• Clearwater City Hall, 129 E. Ross, Clearwater, KS – 1 Computer starting April 1
• Clearwater Public Library, 109 E. Ross St., Clearwater, KS – 4 Computers 
• Clearwater Senior Center,921 E. Janet, Clearwater, KS – 1 Computer starting April 1
• Hicks Chapel, 26802 282nd Road, Dexter, KS – Wi-Fi only 
• Grenola Public Library, 205 S. Main, Grenola, KS – 4 Computers 
• Howard City Library, 124 S. Wabash St., Howard, KS – 5 Computers 
• Leon Public Library, 711 N. West St., Leon, KS – 2 Computers 
• Longton Public Library, 512 Kansas, Longton, KS – 5 Computers 
• Moline Public Library, 107 N. Main St., Moline, KS – 3 Computers 
• Viola Township Library, 100 N. Grice, Viola, KS – 1 Computer 

Visit 2020census.gov