The countdown to Census Night 2026 starts next week when letters will be sent to each household in the Island to ensure every person counts for midnight on Sunday 26 April.
Letters will be posted from Monday 20 April, mailings will be phased during the week and all households will receive their letter before 27 April. Information will explain how census forms can be completed.
- Details will include secure, online access to each household’s census form which saves public money and, for many people, is the quickest and most convenient method
- For those who prefer different ways to complete their form, anyone can turn to the Census Office for extensive help and support online, by phone, and face to face. From 26 April you can ask for a paper form to be sent to your property, arrange to complete the form over the phone with a census officer or schedule a visit from a field officer at your home. You can also arrange to visit the Census Office to complete the return in person with a census officer
Every census form should be completed on 26 April or as soon as is practical afterwards, when details should be correct as at Census Night.
The census form provides comprehensive guidance and asks simple questions such as the type of property you live in, whether it is your normal residence or you are a visitor, nationality, and nature of employment if you work.
People completing the form should include everyone who is usually resident in their household, even if they are not at the property on Census Night. This includes students who may be at university during term time but live in the home outside of term.
Those in hospital, residential care, or at the Isle of Man Prison will be counted separately. The Census Office is contacting organisations where a number of people are staying, such as nursing homes, residential settings and tourist accommodation. If your organisation has not yet been contacted, please email census@gov.im.
Minister for the Cabinet Office, David Ashford MBE MHK, said:
‘The census is vital and every person in every household counts to provide the only comprehensive, detailed and reliable picture of the Isle of Man’s population and how it is made up.
‘This information underpins effective decision-making across government, helping us to plan and deliver essential services such as health care, education and infrastructure. It is also widely used by charities, community organisations and businesses, and over time it gives us an invaluable insight into how our Island is changing.
‘Ensuring everyone is counted on Census Night means the data is as accurate and representative as possible, helping to make sure services and policies truly reflect the needs of our whole community.’
Find out more about the census with answers to frequently asked questions on the census website.
From 20 April, contact the census office at census@gov.im or call +44 1624 685700 for advice and assistance on how to compete your household form.
From 26 April, contact the census office to ask for an alternative way to return your census if you are unable to complete the form online.
From 27 April a public counter will be open at Customs House, Railway Station, Bank Hill, Douglas to receive forms and provide support from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
