What is the 2020 Census? The Census has been a cornerstone of the U.S. democracy since the first national count in 1790. Beginning in March, the U.S. Census Bureau will invite households across the county to participate in the 2020 Census. The 2020 Census will help inform decisions on how billions of dollars are allocated annually for critical public services like roads, schools, hospitals and healthcare clinics, fire and emergency response services, and hundreds of other programs. By law, all census responses are completely confidential and your personal information can not be shared with any law enforcement agencies. In Census 2020, every person counts.