In 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau performed a Census of the City of Washington.  The State of Illinois has certified a new population for Washington at 16,071.  To learn more about the results and how much more State aid the city will receive due to a higher population, Click Here.

.FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the City's current population?
According to the 2020 Census, the City's population is 16,071.

How does a Census help? 
By maintaining an up-to-date representation of the City's population, the City could receive more revenue from the State of Illinois from income, use, and motor fuel taxes because they are distributed on a per capita basis.

How much additional revenue could the City receive from the State?  
The increase in State funds is dependent upon the increase in the City's total population.  Additional funding will help the City to continue to provide essential services and improve the quality of life for residents.  Click Here for the most recent estimate of additional revenue the City will see over the next three years.

What is a Partial Special Census?
On occasion, a partial Special Census is needed during time of population growth. A partial Special Census is conducted using the same methodologies and procedures as a regular or full Special Census.  With a partial Special Census, the area being counted is typically much smaller.  This basic enumeration of population, housing units, and group quarters is conducted for an area no larger than the area wholly within the jurisdiction of the local governmental unit.  It is also defined as one or more census blocks that may be combined to encompass several complete block groups or census tracts.  The information needed to process a cost estimate for conducting a partial Special Census is the same as that required for the standard Special Census.  During a partial Special Census, enumerators will still canvass their assignment areas using census maps and address registers that contain addresses and location information.  The enumerators update the address lists and census maps by adding housing units not already listed, make corrections to address information, update maps with feature changes, and delete listings that do not exist.  Assignment areas for a standard census are typically 75 housing units.  This will vary with a Special Census depending on the size of the specific area for which the full or partial Special Census is requested. The last partial Special Census was completed in 2010.

Who is counted in a partial Special Census? 
Most residential growth in the City over the past seven years has occurred in a few areas.  In order to keep costs down and maximize the possible return on the City's investment, only the parts of the City that have seen the greatest residential growth will be counted.  Parts of the following neighborhoods will be counted: Oak Creek, Bristol Park, Northwyck, Hunter's Glen, Cherry Pointe, Mallard Crossing, Trail's Edge, Washington Estates, Devonshire, Wilmor Estates, Villas of Hollybrook.  A map of the Special Census area will be released before counting begins in November.

What questions will be asked and why?
According to the Census Bureau, seven basic questions are asked of every household.  They include name, relationship, race & Hispanic origin, gender, age, and whether one owns or rents.  Click Here to learn more about each question.

Is Special Census Data Confidential?  
The public is protected by Title 13, U.S. Code.  Only authorized U.S. Census Bureau employees may see personally identifiable information.  Results that could be used to identify an individual are not released.  Census employees, including those hired on a temporary basis, swear under oath that they will not disclose any information gathered about individuals or businesses.  Information collected by the Census Bureau is only used for statistical purposes - no one can obtain personal identifiable data from the Census Bureau.  

Who can I speak with if I have more questions?
Contact Jon Oliphant, Director of Planning & Development, at 309-444-1135 or joliphant@ci.washington.il.us