Since January 16, the census procedure has started in France. A decisive administrative formality for organizing local life and which exposes you to a fine in the event of refusal or forgetting. Explanations.
Every year, the census makes a comeback to count the inhabitants, and 2025 is no exception. Since Thursday, January 16 and until February 22, 2025, INSEE agents have been traveling across France for this crucial operation. Whether you live in a big city or a small village, don't be surprised if you receive a visit or if a letter arrives in your mailbox. But before you decide to skip this step, here is everything you need to know about the census… and the fine incurred if you refuse to cooperate.
The census is much more than a simple administrative formality. It makes it possible to know the number of inhabitants in each municipality, thus determining many aspects of local life such as the distribution of grants or subsidies allocated by the State, the number of seats on the municipal council or even the location of public facilities such as schools, pharmacies or sports infrastructures.
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Census: who is affected and when?
Clearly, each data collected contributes to shaping your living environment. For example, a municipality of less than 2,500 inhabitants cannot accommodate a pharmacy, as Muriel Barlet, head of the demography department at INSEE, points out on the website Actu. This data is therefore essential for adjusting local policies. The frequency and extent of the census depend on the size of the municipality. For municipalities with less than 10,000 inhabitants: the census is organized every five years. In 2025, it takes place from January 16 to February 15 in mainland France, the Antilles and Guyana, and from January 30 to March 1 in Reunion and Mayotte.
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For municipalities with more than 10,000 inhabitants: only a sample of 8% of the population is recorded each year. The dates go from January 16 to February 22 in mainland France, the Antilles and Guyana, and from January 30 to March 8 in Reunion and Mayotte.
-Census: what if you refuse to cooperate?
If you are concerned, an enumerator mandated by your town hall will come and knock on your door. You may also be invited to complete an online questionnaire via an official letter containing your personal identifiers. The information collected remains confidential and is strictly governed by law.
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Here's the information many don't know: refusing to participate in the census can have consequences. According to article 3 of law n°51-711 of June 7, 1951, any person questioned is required to respond accurately and within the allotted time frame. In the event of refusal, you incur a fine of €38 for “persistent refusal”, and a formal notice can be sent by your town hall. Additionally, providing intentionally inaccurate information may also result in sanctions. To avoid transforming a simple formality into an administrative adventure and spending €38 unnecessarily, it is better to play the game.
A journalist passionate about social issues and current affairs, Hugo puts his pen at the service of information. Interested in all themes, from the impact of artificial intelligence on…
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