What is the 2010 Census?
The Census is a count of everyone in the United States, conducted every 10 years.
When is the 2010 Census?
The 2010 Census will take place on April 1, 2010.
Why do we have a Census?
The U.S. Constitution requires it. The Census determines representation in the U.S. Congress. Census numbers are also used to allocate federal and state funding and redraw state legislative boundaries. The public and private sectors use the numbers for numerous planning needs.
How does the Census determine Congressional representation?
Seats in the U.S. House of Representatives are reapportioned each decade to the 50 states in accordance with the population actually counted in the Census.
How does the Census Bureau count us?
The Census Bureau will mail questionnaires in mid-March 2010. After completing the form, recipients should mail it back to the Census Bureau by Census Day – April 1, 2010.
What questions does the 2010 Census ask?
The Census asks four general questions about the household, such as whether you own or rent your home, and six questions about each individual in the household, including name, sex, age, date of birth and race. The Census form is online at http://2010.census.gov/2010census/pdf/2010_Questionnaire_Info_Copy.pdf.
Who should complete the Census form?
The head of household should complete the form on behalf of every person living in the residence on April 1, 2010, including relatives and non-relatives.
Why does the Census want our names?
The Census requests names to help ensure people are not counted twice and to allow you, and only you, the right to obtain a record from the Census Bureau at a later time for proving age or citizenship.
How long will it take to fill out the form?
Approximately 10 minutes, depending on the number of individuals in the household.
Who decides what questions will be asked?
The Congress approves the form and all procedures for the Census.
The 2000 Census had a long form – what happened to that?
In the past, some households received the “long form,” while all others received a form that is similar to the one being used in 2010. The long form is no longer part of the Decennial Census. The questions that were asked on the long form are now asked in a sample survey, called the American Community Survey.
Do people have to take part in the 2010 Census?
Yes, participation in the 2010 Census is vital and required by law.
What if someone doesn’t respond?
Census Bureau employees will make every effort to get a response from every household.
How does the Census Bureau count people without a permanent residence?
Census Bureau workers undertake extensive operations to count 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.
How can people get help with completing the form?
Language assistance guides are available in 59 languages. Questionnaire Assistance Centers (QAC) will also assist those unable to read or understand the form. A Teletext Device for the Deaf (TDD) program will help persons with hearing disabilities.
Why does the Census Bureau ask about race and Hispanic origin?
The Census Bureau collects race data in accordance with guidelines provided by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget. Information on race is required for many federal programs and is used to assess health and environmental risks associated with specific race and ethnic groups.
Does the Census Bureau share information with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Internal Revenue Service, courts or police?
No. It is against the law for the Census Bureau to give personally identifiable information about an individual to any other individual or agency until 72 years after it is collected for the decennial Census.
Why should everyone participate in the 2010 Census?
- Census data shape the future of your community and define your voice in Congress.
- Census information helps determine locations for schools, roads, hospitals, child-care and senior citizen centers, and more.
- Businesses use census data to locate supermarkets, shopping centers, new housing and other facilities.
- The census determines how many seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives as well as the boundaries of legislative districts.
How will the 2010 Census differ from previous census efforts?
In the last census, one in six households received a long questionnaire asking for detailed socioeconomic information. In 2010, every residence will receive a short questionnaire that is simple and fast to complete and return. More detailed information will be collected annually from a small percentage of the population through the American Community Survey.
Will the information the Census Bureau collects remain confidential?
Yes. Every Census Bureau worker takes an oath for life to protect the confidentiality of census responses. Violation would result in a jail term of up to five years and/or fine of up to $250,000. By law, the Census Bureau cannot share an individual’s answers with anyone, including welfare and immigration agencies.
Why are partners so important to the 2010 Census campaign?
More than 140,000 organizations supported Census 2000, including state and local governments, community- and faith-based organizations, schools, media, businesses and others. The Census Bureau relies on partners to help explain the importance of completing the 2010 Census message to people in every corner of the United States. This is particularly important in areas isolated by language or geography. By joining forces with partners, the Census Bureau has a far greater chance to reach every U.S. resident than by attempting this monumental task alone.
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