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An Introduction
The foundation of our American democracy is dependent on fair and equitable representation in Congress. In order to achieve an accurate assessment of the number and location of the people living within the nation’s borders, the U.S. Constitution mandates a census of the population every 10 years. Read how people are counted. Español.
The census population totals determine which states gain or lose representation in Congress. It also determines the amount of state and federal funding communities receive over the course of the decade. 2010 Census data will directly affect how more than $400 billion is allocated to local, state and tribal governments each year. In order for this funding allocation to be accomplished fairly and accurately, the goal of the decennial census is to count everybody, count them only once, and count them in the right place. The facts gathered in the census also help shape decisions for the rest of the decade about public health, neighborhood improvements, transportation, education, senior services and much more.
In March of 2010, census forms will be delivered to every residence in the United States. When you receive yours, just answer the 10 short questions and then mail the form back in the postage-paid envelope provided. If you don't mail the form back, you may receive a visit from a census taker, who will ask you the questions from the form. To see a sample form click on English or Español.
Reaching an Increasingly Diverse Population
The goal of the 2010 Census is to count all residents living in the United States on April 1, 2010. The U.S. Census Bureau does not ask about the legal status of respondents in any of its surveys and census programs. To help ensure the nation’s increasingly diverse population can answer the questionnaire accurately and completely, about 13 million bilingual Spanish/English forms will be mailed to housing units in neighborhoods identified as requiring high levels of Spanish assistance. Additionally, questionnaires in Spanish, Chinese (Simplified), Korean, Vietnamese and Russian, as well as language guides in 59 languages, will be available on request. See samples
10 Questions, 10 Minutes to Complete
With one of the shortest questionnaires in history, the 2010 Census asks for name, gender, age, race, ethnicity, relationship, and whether you own or rent your home. It takes only about 10 minutes for the average household to complete. Questions about how we live as a nation, our diversity, education, housing, jobs and more are now covered in the American Community Survey, which is conducted every year throughout the decade and replaces the Census 2000 long-form questionnaire. Read More. English. Español.
Protecting Your Personal Information
Responses to the 2010 Census questionnaire are required by law. All responses are used for statistical purposes only, and all are strictly confidential. Answering the Census is important, easy, and safe. Keeping your answers safe and confidential is our highest priority. By law (Title 13, U.S. Code), the Census Bureau cannot share the answers that respondents provide with anyone or any other government agency. Additionally every Census Bureau employee has taken an oath to protect your information and is subject to a jail term of up to five years, a fine up to $250,000, or both if he or she discloses ANY information that could identify you or your household. Protecting your personal information. Español.
For more information, visit the 2010 Census Web site at http://2010.census.gov.
Para mas información, visite la página electronica del Censo 2010, Español.
(Source: United States Census Bureau, 2009 - 2010) |