The Shadow
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Census Bureau will begin its first 2020 Census enumeration in Toksook Bay, Alaska, on Jan. 21.
Alaska’s vast, sparsely settled northern areas are traditionally the first to be counted.
Census takers in Alaska must get a head start while the frozen ground allows easier access to remote areas with unique accessibility challenges.
In addition, many residents leave following the spring thaw to fish and hunt or for other warm-weather jobs, making it difficult to get an accurate count in the days leading up to Census Day (Wednesday, April 1).
The remaining portion of Alaska, including Anchorage, will be counted with the rest of the country beginning in March.
A comprehensive national advertising and outreach campaign for the 2020 Census — more than 1,000 advertisements have been developed to reach audiences across the country.
