What: The census is a count of everyone residing in the United States.
Who: All U.S. residents must be counted—both citizens and non citizens.
When: You will receive your questionnaire in March 2010 either by U.S. mail or hand delivery. Some people in remote areas will be counted in person.
Why: The U.S. Constitution requires a national census once every 10 years to count the population and determine the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives.
How: Households should complete and mail back their questionnaires upon receipt. Households that do not respond may receive a replacement questionnaire in early April. Census takers will visit households that do not return questionnaires to take a count in person.
A Complete Count: The Importance of Census Data
Every year, the federal government allocates more than $400 billion to states and communities based, in part, on census data.
Census data are used to determine locations for retail stores, schools, hospitals, new housing developments and other community facilities.
Census data determine boundaries for state and local legislative and congressional districts.
2010 Census Questionnaire: Easy, Important and Safe
With only 10 questions, the 2010 Census questionnaire takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. Households are asked to provide key demographic information, including: whether a housing unit is rented or owned; the address of the residence; and the names, genders, ages and races of others living in the household.
By law, the Census Bureau cannot share an individual’s responses with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Q. Who should fill out the census questionnaire?
A. The individual in whose name the housing unit is owned or rented should complete the questionnaire on behalf of every person living in the residence, including relatives and non-relatives.
2. Q. How will the 2010 Census differ from previous censuses?
A. In 2010, every residence will receive a short questionnaire of just 10 questions. More detailed socioeconomic information previously collected through the decennial census will be asked of a small percentage of the population through the annual American Community Survey. To learn more about the American Community Survey, visit www.census.gov.
3. Q. How are census data used?
A. Census data determine the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives. Census data also can help determine the allocation of federal funds for community services, such as school lunch programs and senior citizen centers, and new construction, such as highways and hospitals.
4. Q. What kind of assistance is available to help people complete the questionnaire?
A. 2010 Census questionnaire language assistance guides are available in a variety of languages. Questionnaire Assistance Centers (QAC) will also assist those unable to read or understand the questionnaire. Large-print questionnaires are available to the visually impaired upon request, and a Teletext Device for the Deaf (TDD) program will help the hearing impaired. Contact your Regional Census Center for more details about the types of assistance available and for QAC locations.
5. Q. How does the Census Bureau count people without a permanent residence?
A. Census Bureau workers undertake extensive operations to take in-person counts of people living in group quarters, such as college dormitories, military barracks, nursing homes and shelters, as well as those who have been displaced by natural disasters.
For more information about the 2010 Census, go to 2010census.gov.
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