Fill out the Census form online at my2020census.gov. Once a decade, a census is conducted to obtain a complete count of every person living in the United States. This counts our population and households, providing the basis for determining the number of representatives each state has in Congress and informing the redrawing of congressional district boundaries. This count also influences the distribution of more than $675 billion in federal funds annually to states, counties, and communities to support resources such as schools, hospitals, and fire departments. The data collected through the census count also informs business decisions, public policy, and community initiatives.
The City of Johnson City benefits the most when the census counts everyone. After the 2010 Census, Johnson City's population was set at 63,152. In July 2018, the United States Census Bureau estimated our population had increased to 66,778.
Getting a complete and accurate count in 2020 requires everyone's help. Individuals, businesses, community organizations, schools and others have a role to play.
How does the City of Johnson City benefit?
The City of Johnson City will be doing its part to maximize participation by all residents, including renters and property owners. Each year the Tennessee Department of Revenue shares certain state taxes with the City of Johnson City based on population. This includes:
- State sales tax
- Gross receipts tax
- Gasoline and motor fuel tax
- Special petroleum products tax
- State beer tax
In short, this means the higher the population count for the City of Johnson City, the more money the City receives.
The census also provides critical data that lawmakers, business owners, teachers and others use to provide daily services, products and support for our community. In addition, the results determine the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives, and they are used to draw congressional and state legislative districts.
How will I be contacted?
People living in houses and apartments should receive an invitation via the United States Postal Service between March 12-20 to complete their census form. For the first time, responses can be submitted online using a phone, tablet, or computer. Responses also can be submitted by phone using a toll-free number. Both the online form and phone response are available in 13 different languages. Several reminder letters and postcards will continue to be sent through April 27. After that date, the Census Bureau will begin to follow up in person with all households that have not yet responded to the mailers.
What kind of information is collected?
The 2020 census questionnaire includes seven questions about each person in a household and four questions about the household itself.
Each person is asked to provide some basic information, including age, birth date, race, Hispanic ethnicity, and relationship (parent, child, sibling, nonrelative, etc.). For the first time, people will denote same- and opposite-sex spouses and partners.
- View an informational copy of the 2020 Census questionnaire
- Why we ask fact sheet
- How to count children
- How to count children (Spanish)
Is the data collected confidential?
Your responses to the 2020 Census are safe, secure and protected by federal law. Your answers can only be used to produce statistics — they cannot be used against you in any way. By law, all responses to U.S. Census Bureau household and business surveys are kept completely confidential.
Special living situations
People in some special living situations may have questions about how to respond. This includes:
- Students
- Service members
- People in correctional facilities
- People who move on Census Day (April 1, 2020)
- People who do not have fixed addresses
More resources
· What is the 2020 Census
· Important dates
· Census takers in the neighborhood
· Impact in your community
· Avoiding fraud and scams
· Guide to the 2020 Census (Spanish)
Washington County, Tennessee Complete Count Committee
The Washington County, Tennessee Complete Count Committee has been established to help increase awareness and motivate residents to respond to the 2020 Census. Committee members are the local "census ambassadors" who will play an integral part in ensuring a complete and accurate count of the community in the 2020 Census. Success of the census depends on community involvement at every level. The Washington County Complete Count Committee members include Johnson City Mayor Jenny Brock, Jonesborough Mayor Chuck Vest and Washington County Mayor Joe Grandy as well as the following members they appointed:
- Adam Dickson (Jonesborough Mayor and Alderman)
- Katelyn Yarborough (Jonesborough at large)
- Michael Hartman (Jonesborough at large)
- Nick Vest (Jonesborough at large)
- Bill Flanery (Washington County Schools)
- Joy Fulkerson (East Tennessee State University)
- Steve Barnett (Johnson City Schools)
- Bob Cantler (Chamber of Commerce)
- Matt Overby (Summit Leadership)
- Andy Hall (Ballad Health)
- Glenn Berry (Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization)
- Pete Peterson (City Manager, Johnson City)
- Dean Borsos (Mountain Home VA Healthcare System)
- Julia Turpin (Johnson City Public Library)
- Greg Matherly (911 and Washington County Commission)
No events scheduled at this time.