2020 Census
Census Day is April 1, 2020!
Every 10 years, the U.S. Census Bureau conducts a count, or a Census, of all individuals living in the United States and the five U.S. territories. Completing the Census is your civic duty, help us to ensure a complete count in Fridley! You can also learn more on the State of Minnesota’s 2020 Census website.
August Operational Adjustments Update Due to COVID-19
Census Self-Response & In Person Follow Up will now end September 30, 2020.
The U.S. Census Bureau continues to evaluate its operational plans to collect and process 2020 Census data during to the COIVD-19 Pandemic. On August 3, 2020 the U.S. Census Bureau announced that it will end Census self-response collection and in person count efforts on September 30, 2020 due to the hiring of additional employees to accelerate the Census process. You can still respond to the census online or over the phone until September 30. You can respond online at my2020census.gov or by calling 844-330-2020. Filling out the census online is currently the safest option with social distancing measures in place, for both our Fridley residents and Census Bureau staff. Census information is also available in 59 languages, learn more at 2020census.gov/en/languages.
In-person Count Changed to August through September
Census workers will be visiting addressing that have not responded to the Census from August through September for an in-person count. Filling out your Census form online right now is the safest option for our community. Information collected from the Census is used for population counts and is vital to ensure funding for emergency response services. Census workers take an oath to protect and keep private all the information they collect; it is confidential 2020census.gov/en/avoiding-fraud.html or call 800-923-8282.
Why is the Census important to Fridley?
Areas of Fridley have been identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as being at risk for being under counted. Getting an accurate count of Fridley’s population is very important for a variety of reasons including making sure Fridley receives appropriate levels of funding and has accurate government representation. An inaccurate count in Fridley can create negative impact felt through the community for decades to come.
You can also learn more on the WeCount Fridley 2020 Census Flyer (PDF).
Census data collected will be used for:
- Representation: Census data determines the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives, as well as the size of voting districts for state and local governments. Minnesota is at risk of losing a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.
- Funding: Census data guides approximately $675 billion in federal spending allocated to local communities each year, including more than $15 billion distributed to Minnesota communities. Even one missed person could mean forfeiting $28,000 in funding for the next ten years.
- Planning: Census data helps federal, state and local governments plan transportation, schools, hospitals, senior centers, emergency services and other needs to best serve changing demographics.
- Businesses: Census data assists businesses in investing in the community including locating businesses, factories and stores, recruiting employees and conducting market research.
Who gets Counted?
The Census counts every person living in the U.S. only once and according to where they are living or staying on April 1, 2020.
What does that mean for you?
As the Census Bureau advises:
- If you are filling out the census for your household, you should count anyone who is living there as of April 1, 2020. This includes anyone who is living and sleeping there most of the time.
- It is important to remember to count any children who are living with you. This includes: All children who live in your household, including grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and the children of friends. Children who split their time between households, if they are living with you on April 1, 2020. Newborn babies, even those who are still in the hospital on April 1, 2020.
Refer to the U.S. Census Bureau website for additional guidance on who to count.
Have questions or want to receive updates about the 2020 Census? 
Text COUNT to MN 2020 (662020) or Text COUNT on WhatsApp to 651-333-2144.
- For Spanish, text CENSO. For Hmong, text SUAVPEB. For Somali, text TIRI.
Reach out to Alyssa Kruzel, Community Engagement Specialist by email or phone at 763-572-3579 with any questions or concerns regarding the 2020 Census.