When we think of the 2020 U.S. census, we think of the bothersome list of questions on this once-in-a-decade form, but there’s more to it than that. Way more.

Yes, the primary goal of the census is to confirm that all states have proper representation in Congress (based on population), but census results also determine where billions of dollars in federal funding will be allocated for the towns that we live, work and play in, such as our hospitals, schools, libraries, fire departments, housing programs and more. The 2020 census data that will be collected at the end of 2020/early 2021 will also help our government officials and local realtor associations better understand housing needs, demands and trends for our future. 

More specifically, the U.S. Census Bureau reports these top ways that the 2020 census data will be used within our communities:

  • Decision-making and budget planning at all levels of government.
  • Mapping out federal, state, and local legislative districts and school district boundaries.
  • Attracting new businesses to state and local areas.
  • Future transportation needs.
  • Planning for hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and locations of additional health services.
  • Future housing needs for the area
  • Funding for services for people in poverty.
  • Focusing on public safety strategies.
  • Development of rural areas.
  • Analyzing local trends.
  • Estimating the number of people displaced by natural disasters.
  • Creating maps to speed emergency services to households in need of assistance.
  • Delivering goods and services to local markets.
  • Designing health and education facilities for people with disabilities, the elderly, and children.
  • Planning future government services.
  • Planning investments and evaluating financial risk.
  • Economic reports and stats about the population as a nation.
  • Sparking scientific, medical, historical area, and genealogical research.
  • Developing “intelligent” maps for government and business.
  • Providing proof of age, relationship, or residence certificates via the Census Bureau.
  • Reapportioning seats in the House of Representatives.
  • Planning and researching for media as background for news stories.
  • Spotting trends in the economic well-being of the nation.
  • Planning for public transportation services.
  • Establishing fair market rents and enforcing fair lending practices.
  • Directing services to children and adults with limited English proficiency.
  • Planning urban land use.
  • Planning outreach strategies.
  • Understanding labor supply.
  • Assessing the potential for spread of communicable diseases.
  • Making business decisions.
  • Understanding consumer needs.
  • Planning for faith-based organizations.
  • Locating factory sites and distribution centers.
  • Distributing catalogs and developing direct mail pieces.
  • Creating both public and private sector surveys.
  • Evaluating programs in different geographic areas.
  • Planning for school projects.
  • Developing adult education programs.
  • Determining areas eligible for housing assistance and rehabilitation loans. 

To take the 2020 U.S. census or for more information about the census, visit 2020census.gov. To schedule an appointment with one of our agents at Sands Realty Group, visit us at http://www.sands-realty.com/, email us at Briggs@sands-realty.comor call us at 843-839-4878.