2020 Census is Coming Right Up In the US

Well, maybe not quite yet, but it has gotten started. This week the Census Bureau kicked off its field testing of new ideas for the 2020 census, using parts of Maryland and the District of Columbia as the proverbial guinea pigs (with no harm done to the GPs).

Respondents to the 2014 Census Test will have the opportunity to use the Internet to fill out the questionnaire, thus reducing reliance on paper and having the potential to produce savings for taxpayers. Although Internet data collection was not offered for the 2010 Census, the Census Bureau has been using it for the American Community Survey and other surveys for several years now, and will test how to best use it for response to the 2020 Census.

For the test, July 1, 2014, is Census Day, or the reference day for measuring the population of the test area. Respondents should fill out the questionnaire based on the people and circumstances of their household as of July 1, 2014.

The Census Bureau will also test a smartphone app for quicker and more accurate data collection from nonresponding households.

I like these ideas. I was surprised that the internet option was not available in 2010 and am glad that it seems like it will be there in 2020. The smartphone app is also a great idea. Perhaps, indeed, you are reading this on my iPhone app.