Many people living in group quarters, such as colleges and universities, are at risk of being undercounted in the 2020 Census. This Group Quarters Operation fact sheet provides advocates and stakeholders with an overview of how people living in college and university-run housing will be counted during the 2020 Census.
Key Takeaways
- People living in college- and university-run housing will be counted in the 2020 Census as part of the Group Quarters enumeration (GQ)—a special operation to count people in group living situations.
- Residents of group quarters are counted using several methods. College and university administrators and 2020 Census enumerators will decide jointly which method to use for each institution.
- Students who do not live in college- or university-run housing or other group quarters will be counted at their usual residence—typically as part of the regular household enumeration. Most households will receive an invitation to respond in the mail.