Every household on the island will receive a letter next week as preparations begin for Census Night 2026, which takes place at midnight on April 26.
Letters will be posted from April 20, with all homes receiving information by April 27.
Each letter will explain how to complete the census, including secure online access to a household’s form, the quickest and most cost‑effective option for most people.
Alternative methods will also be available. From April 26, residents can request a paper form, complete the census over the phone with an officer, arrange a home visit, or attend the Census Office in person.
A public counter at Customs House will open from April 27 to provide support and accept completed forms.
Census Data
Forms should be completed on April 26 or as soon as possible afterwards, with answers reflecting the household as it existed on Census Night.
Guidance will cover who should be included, such as students who normally live at home but are away during term time.
People in hospitals, care homes, residential settings or prison will be counted separately, with the Census Office contacting relevant organisations.
Cabinet Office Minister David Ashford said the census provides the island’s only fully comprehensive picture of its population, informing decisions on health, education, infrastructure and wider public services.
He said ensuring everyone is counted helps make sure policies “truly reflect the needs of our whole community.”
