2030 Census · San Joaquin Valley
Every person in the Valley counts.
The 2030 Census shapes political representation and federal funding for our eight counties for the next ten years. We are organizing nonprofits, public agencies and neighbors so no community goes uncounted.
One dot, one neighbor. Each one counts.
A complete count is built years before Census Day.
Counting the Valley is hard: rural addresses, mixed-status and multilingual households, and limited broadband. That is why preparation starts now.
people live in the eight-county San Joaquin Valley.
Source: PPIC
Latino first- and second-generation immigrants were projected to be missed in 2020 without targeted outreach.
Source: SJV Census Research Project (2018), via USC Equity Research Institute (2023)
Latino immigrant survey respondents lacked internet access — in a census designed to be answered online first.
Source: USC Equity Research Institute (2023)
Madera County’s final 2020 self-response rate — the Valley’s lowest, and down from 67.8% in 2010.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, final 2020 self-response rates
Data & maps
Where the count is hardest
Select a county to compare its 2020 self-response with 2010 and the statewide rate.
Final 2020 self-response rates: U.S. Census Bureau (Jan. 2021). 2010 rates are final (California Complete Count). Bars scaled 50–75%.
Timeline
The road to 2030
- 2026Census Test
The Bureau tests new methods, now scaled back to two sites.
- 2027Organize locally
Form Complete Count Committees and map hard-to-count areas.
- 2028Dress Rehearsal
Final full-scale test of 2030 operations.
- 2029Train messengers
Prepare trusted messengers and materials in every Valley language.
- April 1, 2030Census Day
Respond online, by phone or on paper. Door-to-door follow-up comes next.
Your answers are protected by law.
Under Title 13 of the U.S. Code, the Census Bureau cannot share your individual answers with immigration enforcement, police, landlords or any other agency. Proposed changes to the 2030 count are being debated — we track every development and explain what it means for Valley families.
Trainings
Training library
Recorded webinars will appear here as they are published.
Why get involved
Why should Central Valley nonprofit organizations, public sector agencies, businesses and residents become involved in ensuring a complete and accurate count in the 2030 Census?
Fifteen reasons a complete count matters, for every kind of organization and every family in the Valley.
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Federal dollars follow the count
In fiscal year 2021 alone, census data helped guide more than $2.8 trillion in federal spending across at least 353 programs, from Medicaid and SNAP to school meals and highways.
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Our voice in Congress
Census counts decide how many seats each state has in the U.S. House. After 2020, California lost a congressional seat for the first time in its history.
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Fair local districts
City councils, county boards of supervisors, school boards and state legislative districts are redrawn with census data. Neighborhoods that are missed get less of a voice.
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A mistake lasts ten years
The 2030 count will shape funding and representation until the 2040 Census. There is no do-over.
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Undercounts are real, and uneven
The Census Bureau estimates the 2020 Census missed 4.99% of the Hispanic or Latino population nationwide, and also undercounted young children and renters.
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Count every child
Babies and young children are among the most often missed. Every child left out means less for schools, child care and health programs for a decade.
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Planning schools, clinics and roads
Counties, cities and school districts use census data to decide where to build schools, clinics, fire stations and transit routes.
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Ready for heat, fire and flood
Emergency planners use census data to know who lives where, including older adults, children and people who speak languages other than English, so help reaches everyone.
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Better data for business
Businesses rely on census-based data to choose locations, understand customers and find workers. Accurate Valley data helps attract investment and jobs.
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Stronger grant applications
Foundations and government funders ask for census and American Community Survey data. An accurate count makes the case for your community’s needs.
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You are a trusted messenger
People respond when someone they know explains the census. Nonprofits, clinics, congregations, employers and schools reach families that no government office can.
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Rural and farmworker families count too
Rural addresses, farmworker housing and multigenerational homes are harder to count. Local partners know where these households are.
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Your answers are protected
By law (Title 13 of the U.S. Code), the Census Bureau cannot share your individual answers with immigration enforcement, police, landlords or any other agency.
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Local jobs
The Census Bureau hires local residents as temporary census takers, often with flexible hours. Bilingual skills are in demand.
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Being counted is being seen
A complete count shows the Valley as it truly is: diverse, multilingual and growing. When everyone is counted, policy can be built for everyone.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, federal funds report (2023), 2020 Post-Enumeration Survey (2022) and 2020 apportionment results.
Bring your organization to the table.
Nonprofits, cities, counties, schools and state partners: join the regional coalition for toolkits, trainings and a seat at the planning table.