Let's Make Lee's Summit Count!

What Is the Census?

The census counts every person living in the United States and its territories. This includes people of all ages, races, ethnic groups, citizens and noncitizens. The census happens every 10 years and is mandated by the U.S. Constitution. 

Completing the Census Is Easy. The Questions Are Simple.

Invitations to respond to the 2020 Census were delivered between March 12 - 20. Once you receive that invitation, you can respond by phone, mail or online. When responding to the census, you will be asked nine simple questions, such as age, sex and the number of people living in your home, including children. It should only take about 10 minutes to complete. Answers are kept strictly confidential and are used for statistical purposes only.
 

Learn more & respond

It's Your Civic Duty

Responding to the census is your civic duty as required by federal law. The 2020 Census will mark the 24th time the country has counted its population since 1790.

Why Is It Important?

Responses to census questions provide a snapshot of the nation. Census results affect your voice in government, how much funding our community receives, and how our community plans for the future. State and local officials rely on the data to make decisions about emergency preparedness and infrastructure, such as where to build roads, hospitals and schools. Businesses use census data to decide where to locate factories, offices and stores. 

It's About Representation.

Census results are used to determine the number of seats each state has in the House of Representatives.

It's About Redistricting.

After the census, state officials redraw the boundaries of the congressional and state legislative districts in their states to account for population shifts.

It's About $675 Billion.

Census data guides the distribution of $675 billion in federal funds to states and local communities each year.  

Impact of Undercounting

Your response matters. Experts estimate that the population was undercounted by 1 percent in the 2010 Census. A similar undercount in 2020 would result in $48 million being diverted to other communities outside the Kansas City region, so it is imperative that every person is counted.

 

     

2020 Census Timeline

March
Census postcards are sent to most homes
March -  August
Respond to the census
April 1
Census Day
August 11 - October 31
Followup begins with households that did not respond

Request a Speaker

To request a presentation about the census to groups and organizations within Lee's Summit, contact Victoria Nelson, Planner, Development Services at 816.969.1605 or email.

Need Internet Access?

Mid-Continent Public Library branches will serve as assistance sites for the 2020 census period, providing free internet access - by Wi-Fi and library computers - for those wishing to complete the census online. Library staff can direct inquiries regarding the census to reputable and multilingual resources. 

Lee's Summit Branch Location
150 NW Oldham Parkway

Resources

paper icon 2020 Census

paper icon Census 2020 KC

paper icon Census Privacy and Security

Avoiding Scams

The Census Bureau will never ask for:

  • Full social security number
  • Money or donations
  • Anything on behalf of a political party
  • Bank account or credit card account numbers
  • Your mother's maiden name

paper icon Avoiding Fraud and Online Scams