Published June 3, 2020
With the Census continuing until October, the State Complete Count Committee is closely tracking Montana’s response rates down to the Census tract level. Here is a highlight of the top Montana counties and cities in the 2020 Census count as of May 29, 2020:
More than $2 billion in federal funding is allocated to Montana each year based on Census data. Without a 100% count, Montana will lose $20,000 for every person missed and won’t have accurate data for the next decade. So it is important to keep up the effort across Montana to get every resident to self-respond.
Communities and counties can challenge each other to see who can reach a certain response rate – healthy competition is a good thing! Click here to access the U.S. Census Challenge Toolkit.
Census & Voting
The 2020 Census will not only help determine the number of U.S. Congressional seats appropriated to each state, but will also be used to determine state legislative districts, school districts, and voting precincts. As of the 2010 Census, each Montana state senator represented an average of 19,788 residents, while each state House member represented an average of 9,894 residents. Information on the legislative boundaries can be found HERE and voting and school boundaries can be viewed HERE.
Filling out the Census makes sure you are counted in your district and precinct. Make sure your voice is included by self-responding to the 2020 Census.
Census Jobs in Montana
The U.S. Census Bureau continues to recruit workers in Montana for temporary jobs. Jobs offer flexible schedules, pay a starting wage of $17- $19.50 an hour and require no related experience. You must be 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, and complete a background check to be hired. Go to 2020Census.gov/jobs to apply.
Did You Know You Can Call in Your Census Responses?
Responding to the Census by phone is an option that could work quite well for many residents. The whole process takes about 10 minutes. A live person answers the phone and takes the callers response (after some brief automated information is first provided). Here are some quick facts:
- To begin, call 844-330-2020 or 844-467-2020 TDD (Telephone Display Device)
- Have your 12-digit Census ID number available
- Full language support is provided for 59 non-English languages; go to the Census “Responding-by-phone” website for more information
- Hours of Operation:
-English and Spanish language – 7 am to 2 am Eastern Time
-Non-English and Non-Spanish language – 8 am to 10 pm Eastern Time - A callback option is available to better respond to requests during periods of high call volume.
You Can Also Provide Your Census Responses Online–Easy Peasy!
Filling out the Census is quick, easy, and safe. It will take less than 10 minutes to complete and your information and privacy are protected by federal law.
Recap of the Importance of the Census: Your response helps to direct billions of dollars in federal funds to local communities for schools, roads, and other public services. Results from the 2020 Census will be used to determine the number of seats each state has in Congress and your political representation at all levels of government.
No Census ID? No Problem!
The image below shows you where to click to get your information submitted without having your ID handy–don’t worry, it’s safe and secure!
When you go to my2020census.gov/login, you can click the link shown in the image above. This means that even if you have not received your invitation to participate and do not have your 12-digit Census ID you can still fill out your form now! The 2020 Census is available to fill out online at my2020census.gov.
Do You Want to Help? Here Are Some Steps You Can Take to Ensure a Complete Count for Montana
- Promote my2020census.gov and 1-844-330-2020 for people to fill out their Census form online or by phone.
- Post a picture with Census content on your social media to let your family, friends, and followers know that you were counted in the 2020 Census. Use the hashtags #MontanaCensus2020 #makeitcount
- Get involved with your community’s Complete Count Committee (CCC). CCC’s are volunteer committees established within communities to increase awareness and motivate the public to respond to the 2020 Census. A map of CCC’s in Montana can be found here.
- Include Census information in mailings that you’re sending out. To request free materials be mailed to you contact us here.
- Talk about the Census and become a trusted voice on the importance of a complete count. As a community member that people trust, your support of the 2020 Census can help other people see the benefit of filling out their 2020 Census form.
- Distribute the Montana public service announcements (PSA) on personal or business social media platforms, websites, newsletters, or other digital communication channels.
Important Dates
These events are current as of May 18, 2020; but are subject to change as the U.S. Census Bureau revises its operations in response to COVID-19. Check with event organizers regarding local events and go to 2020Census.gov for the latest U.S.
Census Bureau operations updates:
- March 12 – October 31: Self Response Phase
- April 2: Group Quarters Count extended to September 3, 2020
- May 4 – July 9: Resume Update/Leave Operations in Montana and other select states
- June 13 – July 9: Resume Update/Leave Operations nationwide
- June 14 – June 21: Census Awareness Week
- July 1 – September 3: In-person Group Quarters Enumeration
- August 11 – October 31: Non-response Follow-up
- September 3 – September 28 (Tentatively): Enumerate Transitory Locations
- April 30, 2021 (Proposed): Deliver Census Population Counts to the President
- July 31, 2021: Deliver redistricting data to states
- Operations and dates for counting of those experiencing homelessness are still under review.
Have Questions About 2020 Census Operations & Enumeration?
To be routed to your local U.S. Census Bureau office, call 855-562-2020,select option 3, and enter your zip code.
Reach out to a Montana Census 2020 Partnership Specialist:
- Jeri Bucy
Montana Partnership Specialist
U.S. Census Bureau
Email: jeri.bucy@2020census.gov
Phone: (406) 302-2227 - Chance Gillette
Montana Partnership Specialist
U.S. Census Bureau
Email: Chance.j.gillette@2020census.gov
Phone: 406-850-0199 - Jihan Khalaf
Montana Partnership Specialist
U.S. Census Bureau
Email: Jihan.k.khalaf@2020census.gov
Phone: 406-439-3383 - Colleen M. McCarthy
Montana Partnership Specialist U.S. Census Bureau
Email: Colleen.M.McCarthy@2020census.gov
Phone: (406) 302-2226 - Laurie Cipriano
Public Information Officer
Email: laurie.a.cipriano@2020census.gov
Phone: (720) 891- 2497 (Colorado)