The purpose of the decennial census goes beyond just getting population numbers—the results are used to determine funding for federal assistance programs and updating how many U.S. representatives each state has and more, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. For example, Texas gained four congressional seats in 2010, which boosted its total count to 36 representatives, according to the Texas Legislative Library.
Additionally, state officials will use those population counts to redraw district boundaries.
Households will begin receiving census questionnaires in March. Questionnaires will also be available online and over the phone, according to the bureau.
The bureau is also working to hire thousands of temporary employees ahead of the first day of the new census on April 1.
