Important Information About the Census

Louisiana REALTORS • March 17, 2020
The decennial census is a population count that is mandated by the U.S. Constitution to take place every 10 years. The census is important for all REALTORS® because completing the Census survey means more resources for businesses and communities across the country. 

Census data are invaluable to the National Association of REALTORS’ research team. Based upon decennial census data, NAR is able to:

Analyze census data related to the number of homebuyers in a particular area or universe of sales;

Compare census data to NAR’s local and national figures;

Forecast and make projections about housing industry growth;

Evaluate trends in generational housing demands and populations at state and local levels;

Analyze migration trends of recent movers to identify potential customers and markets;

Identify trends in household formation; and

Better understand the population of homeowners who have been affected by natural disasters.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau*, census data are used as follows: 

Decision making at all levels of government.

Drawing federal, state, and local legislative districts.

Attracting new businesses to state and local areas.

Distributing over $675 billion annually in federal funds and even more in state funds.

Forecasting future transporta¬tion needs for all segments of the population.

Planning for hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and the location of other health services.

Forecasting future housing needs for all segments of the population.

Directing funds for services for people in poverty.

Designing public safety strategies.

Development of rural areas.

Analyzing local trends.

Estimating the number of people displaced by natural disasters.

Developing assistance programs for American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Creating maps to speed emer¬gency services to households in need of assistance.

Delivering goods and services to local markets.

Designing facilities for people with disabilities, the elderly, or children.

Planning future government services.

Planning investments and eval¬uating financial risk.

Publishing economic and statistical reports about the United States and its people.

Facilitating scientific research.

Developing “intelligent” maps for government and business.

Providing proof of age, rela¬tionship, or residence certifi¬cates provided by the Census Bureau.

Distributing medical research.

Reapportioning seats in the House of Representatives.

Planning and researching for media as background for news stories.

Drawing school district boundaries.

Planning budgets for govern¬ment at all levels.

Spotting trends in the eco¬nomic well-being of the nation.

Planning for public transporta¬tion services.

Planning health and educa¬tional services for people with disabilities.

Establishing fair market rents and enforcing fair lending practices.

Directing services to children and adults with limited English proficiency.

Planning urban land use.

Planning outreach strategies.

Understanding labor supply.

Assessing the potential for spread of communicable diseases.

Making business decisions.

Understanding consumer needs.

Planning for faith-based organizations.

Locating factory sites and dis¬tribution centers.

Distributing catalogs and developing direct mail pieces.

Setting a standard for creating both public and private sector surveys.

Evaluating programs in differ¬ent geographic areas.

Providing genealogical research.

Planning for school projects.

Developing adult education programs.

Researching historical subject areas.

Determining areas eligible for housing assistance and reha¬bilitation loans.

The census survey can be completed by phone, by mail, and online at 2020census.gov 

Please pay attention to the following key dates: 

Mid-March 2020: The Census Bureau will be inviting households to participate in the 2020 census*, and households can begin completing the Census survey by mail, phone, or online at 2020census.gov(link is external).

April 1, 2020: National Census Day! This is a nationally recognized day, and by this date every U.S. household will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 census, and to respond by mail, phone, or online.

June 30, 2020: Last day for households to respond to the census survey.

December 2020: The Census Bureau is required by law to provide an apportionment count to the President and Congress.
Technology for Real Estate Agents
By Louisiana REALTORS® October 24, 2025
Discover how real estate professionals can use technology to enhance client relationships, streamline transactions, and stand out in a digital market.
By Louisiana REALTORS®  October 17, 2025
Louisiana REALTORS® wraps up 2025 and looks forward to 2026! Louisiana REALTORS® gathered in Baton Rouge from October 7–8 for the 2025 Fall Governance Meetings, a dynamic two-day event filled with professional development, strategic planning and member engagement. The day before the conference offered the conclusion to the 2025 LR Leadership Program with participants graduated from the yearlong program after a half-day session. The 2025 graduates include: Torri Byrd, Shawn Carter, Bradley Cook, Stefany Deroche, Mignon Richard Díaz, Alfra Dixon, Thaddeus Dixon, Glen Elliott, Yvonne Graham, Charlotte Johnson, Michelle LaBanca, Slagle McGuffee, Ellen Monroe, Matt Noel, Ros Pack, Tiffany Pellerin, Latonia Riggs, Shannon Rodi Nash, Trish Skellham, Rebecca Slone and Charlotte St. Romain. Additionally, a sold-out, full-day AI-Powered Real Estate Professional Certification course led by industry expert Matthew Rathbun blew away attendees and had them leaving the session with such invigoration. The first official day of the conference held focus on professional development and networking. Tuesday opened with an informative session entitled Professional Liability 101 from Rice Insurance Services Center, offering critical insights into E&O and risk management. RPR's session brought a wealth information to attendees and offered a hands-on learning experience for the tools offered online. Targeted sessions like the Local AE Meeting and the YPN Advisory Council Open Meeting provided space for peer exchange and innovation. The day concluded with a festive Opening Reception sponsored by Louisiana YPN, bringing members together to celebrate and connect. The next day offered collaboration and celebration with Closing the Affordability Gap, presented by the Louisiana Housing Corporation, equipping REALTORS® with tools to better serve clients in today’s market. Regional caucuses followed, allowing members from across Louisiana to discuss local issues and share best practices. The Board of Directors Meeting brought the governance portion of the event to a close with strategic decisions for the year ahead. At the Board Meeting, Chris Brock, Northeast REALTORS® of Louisiana; Trish Leleux, Greater Central LA REALTORS® Association; Synde Devillier, Bayou Board of REALTORS®; Scott McCubbin, Bayou Board of REALTORS®; Amber Morrow, Greater Fort Polk Area REALTORS®; and David Moses, Greater Central LA REALTORS® Association; were elected as 2026 At-Large Directors. The grand finale? A spirited LSU Pregame Fan Experience and the highly anticipated Installation Ceremony, where new leadership was formally welcomed in a celebration of community and commitment. Louisiana REALTORS® looks forward to hosting REALTORS® from around the state at the Winter Leadership Conference, March 3-4, 2026, at the Live! Casino & Hotel in Bossier City. We would like to thank our sponsors Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS® (GBRAR) , Zillow , Dax Roy Appraisals, Supra, American Home Shield, Guard Home Warranty fo r their generous support in helping make this conference happen!
Home for sale during springtime
By Louisiana REALTORS® October 16, 2025
Discover the best time to sell your home and how a real estate professional can help you maximize profit, attract buyers, and navigate the market with confidence.
Show More