The U.S. Census Bureau announced on May 1 that households in certain areas of Huntsville, Alabama, and Spartanburg, South Carolina, are now able to respond online to the 2026 Census Test. The online questionnaire is open for responses from residents who have received a mailed invitation with a unique Census ID.
This test is significant because it will help the Census Bureau evaluate new methods and innovations planned for the upcoming 2030 Census. The goal is to ensure an accurate count of the nation’s population by refining procedures and technologies ahead of time.
According to the announcement, about 81,000 households in Huntsville and 73,600 in Spartanburg will receive invitations around May 1. Each household must use its unique ID to access the questionnaire online using any computer, tablet or smartphone. Responses are not accepted by phone or paper; only English is available for this test.
The survey includes questions similar to those found on the American Community Survey, covering topics such as name, race, sex, citizenship and education. Completing the survey takes approximately 40 minutes. Households that do not respond initially may receive up to four reminders by mail before census takers begin follow-up visits starting in June. Specially trained U.S. Postal Service workers will assist with these follow-ups as part of a pilot program.
All responses are protected by federal law and kept confidential; they are used only for statistical purposes. More information can be found on official webpages dedicated to both the 2030 Census and 2026 Census Test.
