54.9% of Montana households have responded to 2020 Census

JUNE 16, 2020 — To date, 54.9% of Montana households have responded to the 2020 Census. The national self-response rate is 61.4%. It has never been easier to respond on your own, whether online, over the phone or by mail — all without having to meet a census taker.

Montana counties with the highest self-response rates

1. Yellowstone County, 69.2%

2. Lewis & Clark County, 66.1%

3. Missoula County, 66.1%

4. Cascade County, 65.5%

5. Silver Bow County, 64.4%

6. Gallatin County, 61.8%

7. Ravalli County, 60.6%

8. Dawson County, 57.7%

9. Jefferson County, 57.4%

10. Custer County, 55.9%

Why the 2020 Census is Important

• The U.S. Constitution mandates a census of the population every 10 years.

• The 2020 Census counts everyone who lives in the United States as of April 1, 2020 (Census Day).

• Census statistics are used to determine the number of seats each state holds in the U.S. House of Representatives.

• Census statistics inform how hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funds will be allocated by state, local and federal lawmakers annually for the next 10 years.

2020 Census Timeline

In mid-March, most households received an invitation in the mail to respond to the 2020 Census, followed by multiple reminders and a paper questionnaire.

In May, in coordination with federal, state and local health officials, the Census Bureau began a phased restart of some 2020 Census field operations in select geographic areas. As part of this phased restart, the Census Bureau resumed dropping off 2020 Census invitation packets at front doors in areas where the majority of households do not receive mail at their home. About 5% of households are counted during this operation, known as Update Leave, where census workers confirm or update a household’s physical location address and then leave a census questionnaire packet.

The health and safety of Census Bureau staff and the public is of the utmost importance. All returning staff will receive safety training on social distancing protocols and be provided personal protective equipment before restarting operations.

In August, Census takers are scheduled to visit households that have not yet responded to the 2020 Census.

About the 2020 Census

• The Census Bureau strongly encourages the public to respond online at2020census.gov.

• Households can respond by phone in English or 12 other languages.

• Households can also respond by mail using the paper questionnaire mailed to non-responding addresses.

• For more information, call 844-330-2020 or visit 2020census.gov.

• To see a revised timeline for the census, visit the 2020 Census operational adjustments page.

2020 Census Response Rate Challenge

To increase response to the 2020 Census across the country, the Census Bureau is challenging communities nationwide to complete the census online, by phone or by mail. The online toolkit includes ideas for community leaders to encourage people to beat their 2010 Census self-response rate.