Everyone Counts: How an Accurate Census Count Benefits Arlington
By Office of Communication
Posted on October 18, 2019, October 18, 2019

The 2020 Census will arrive in your mailbox next March, and Arlington is on a mission to make sure Everyone Counts. While the Census counts the entire U.S. population, many local Arlington initiatives are tied to the results, which means your response this Census is more important than ever.

Here are the top ways an accurate count makes Arlington an even better place to live, learn, work and play.

Census data determines your political representation at federal, state, local levels of government.

The Census is required by the US Constitution and has been completed every 10 years since 1790. This count determines the number of seats each state receives in the U.S. House of Representatives based on its population. The data is also used for redistricting at the state, county, and city levels of government.

Census data helps determine how more than $800 billion in federal funding is awarded each year.

Most federal funding that comes to the Arlington community is based on data that comes from information you provide on the Census form. Texas receives approximately $59.4 billion each year in federal funding – that’s $2,132 for every Texas resident!

In Arlington, this money benefits a wide range of public services, including public safety initiatives through Arlington Police and Fire Departments, housing programs, and transportation projects, in addition to education programs such as after-school care and reduced lunch programs, and healthcare programs such as Medicaid and Medicare.

Census information is the most reliable and complete data source for research and planning.

The City of Arlington uses Census data to improve service delivery across the City. Businesses often use Census data when deciding where to build, resulting in more jobs for our local economy. For nonprofit and community organizations, the data can secure funding that supports housing, after-school programs, healthcare, education initiatives and more for those in need.

Everyone living in Arlington is eligible to respond to the 2020 Census, and it’s easy – the entire questionnaire is only 10 questions. For the first time, you’ll be able to respond online from any computer or mobile device, over the phone in 13 languages or using the traditional paper form. And remember, the Census Bureau is legally bound to protect your personal information.

Click here to learn more about the 2020 Census in Arlington.

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