Huntsville chosen to participate in the 2026 Census Test

In preparation for the 2030 Census, the U.S. Census Bureau is conducting an operational test this Spring which allows them to try out new methods + tools. While it was Huntsville that was specifically named, locations as far west as Madison, as far north as Meridanville and as far north-east as Moores Mill are also included in the survey. Click here for a map of the test area.

All residents within the test area are encouraged to participate. You will be able to respond online and, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, it should only take a few minutes to complete. If you choose not to respond online, Census takers or postal workers will follow up in person.

Here are the key takeways:

• Who: Anyone with a permanent residence inside the testing area (see link above)
• What: Complete your census form online or wait to be visited in-person
• When: Spring 2026
• Why: According to the U.S. Census Bureau, these operational tests are extremely helpful in determining which tools + methods work and which do not. The data they collect regarding these collection tools influence how they will setup the 2030 Census.

Another piece of important information regarding privacy and confidentiality: the data collected via this 2026 Spring Test Census will be kept completely confidential and will only be used as a statistic by the U.S. Census Bureau.

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