Census

The 2020 Census counts every person living in the United States and five U.S. territories. In mid-March, homes across the country began receiving invitations to complete the 2020 Census. Once the invitation arrives, you should respond for your home in one of three ways: online, by phone, or by mail. When you respond to the census, you'll tell the Census Bureau where you live as of April 1, 2020.

Why is the Census Important for Brown County?

Responding to the census is not only your civic duty; it also affects the amount of funding your community receives, how your community plans for the future, and your representation in government. Specifically, data from the 2020 Census are used to:
•   Ensure public services and funding for Brown County schools, hospitals, and fire departments.
•   Plan new homes and businesses and improve neighborhoods.
•   Determine how many seats Texas is allocated in the House of Representatives.

What can I win for filling out the census?

In an effort to have a more complete census count, the Brownwood Library has teamed with our U.S. Census Specialist to partner with local non-profits and churches that are serving Brown County residents in "hard-to-count populations." These non-profits and churches will hold events and encourage their members to complete the census. In turn, we'll enter them to win $1,000 towards their non-profit or church.

Additionally, we have an additional bonus for another hard-to-count population--little kids. Each time a household submits the census with a child in their first census--kids 0 to 10 years old--they can enter to win a mega Lego set!

How do I enter the contest?

If you haven't completed the census yet, fill out the census at an event at one of our participating partners or come to the library to complete the census. You will get an entry form at the location. Some of our partners may also allow you to stop by at other times to complete the census. Or, fill it out at home, take a screenshot of your completed census and submit it here!

This contest is only open to those who complete the census at one of our events or locations, or who complete the census after hearing about it through one of our events or partners.

The contest will run from July 27 to October 31. Any person in Brown County completing the census during this time will get an entry.

Where are these prizes coming from?

The Brownwood Library has received grant money from the American Library Association and Texas Counts Pooled Funds to help get a complete count of our Brown County community.