Who exactly is counted in the census? According to the U.S. Constitution, all persons living in the United States regardless of their legal status must be counted. With regard to where people are counted, it depends on a person’s living situation. The rule of thumb is that a person is counted in their “usual place of residence” or where they live and sleep most of the time. But what about people who do not have a usual place of residence, such as college students or those who are homeless?