2020 Census FAQs

Every Cowboy Counts: Help Stillwater reach 50,000 residents. This means more government funding and business development for our community.

Respond to the 2020 Census

There’s still time to respond to the 2020 Census. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed the deadline until Oct. 31. Census takers will start in-person visits in mid-August with anyone who hasn’t already responded to the census.

Oklahoma State University students should use the address where they were living to go to school in spring of 2020 as their residence for census purposes. One person can fill it out and include everyone who was living in the home.

Filling it out is simple and can be done online.

Start here

Be Counted in Stillwater

Even if you moved away from Stillwater for the end of the spring 2020 semester, it’s vital you be counted where you would normally have been living to go to school in spring 2020. Oklahoma State University President Burns Hargis and Stillwater Mayor Will Joyce discuss the importance of the 2020 Census for Oklahoma State University and the city of Stillwater.

Greek Life or Residence Halls

If you normally would have lived in a res hall or Greek house on April 1, 2020, don’t worry. OSU is working with the Census Bureau to count you. You don’t have to do anything.

Off-campus housing

If you normally would have lived in an apartment or house on April 1, 2020, alone or with roommates, you should have received an invitation to respond to the census in the mail. Respond online, by phone or by mail. Make sure you use the address where you would have been living while at school in spring 2020. Include everyone who lived with you as well.

Already moved home?

If you weren’t in Stillwater to get your mail, you can still respond at 2020census.gov.

What is the 2020 Census?

The U.S. Constitution (Article I, Section 2) mandates a headcount every 10 years, of everyone residing in the United States: in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the Island Areas. This includes people of all ages, races, ethnic groups, citizens, and noncitizens. The population totals from the 2020 census will determine the number of seats each state has in the House of Representatives. The totals also affect funding in our community, and data collected in the census help inform decision makers how our community is changing.

COVID-19 pushed the reporting deadline back to October. Despite the COVID-19 related changes, all college students should be counted where your university is located.

How do I take the 2020 Census?

Household surveys are conducted via mail, telephone, personal visit (with a laptop, Smartphone, tablet, or a few with paper questionnaires), online, or using a combination of these methods.

Questionnaires are distributed via:

Mail
Telephone
Personal visit by a trained census worker (with a laptop, Smartphone, tablet, or with paper questionnaires)
Online
Paper form
or using a combination of these methods

Why should I complete the Census?

It's required. Responding to the Census is required by Title 13 of the United States Code, the same law that guarantees the privacy of your responses.

The population totals from the 2020 census will determine the number of seats each state has in the House of Representatives.

The totals also affect funding in our community, as well as help with funding for nonprofits, schools, road repairs and potentially bring new restaurants and shopping to Stillwater.

It's easy. You can complete the census online, using your smartphone, over the phone, or by filling out a paper form.

Where should I complete the Census?

People who live at two or more residences are counted at the residence where they live and sleep most of the time. For college students, this means filling it out for where you live while you go to school. If you weren’t in Stillwater to get your mail, or you no longer have the postcard, you can still respond at 2020census.gov.