▼

2010 Census

Show All Answers

1. What is the 2010 Census?

The census is an official count of the population of the United States. The U.S. Constitution (Article 1, Section 2) requires that a census be done every 10 years to apportion the seats in the U. S. House of Representatives among the states. The Census Bureau is legally required to provide redistricting data to public officials in a non-partisan manner no later than one year from Census Day. (For example, 2010 Census redistricting data are due by April 1, 2011.) It is crucial that the 2010 Census count people once, only once, and in the right place.

2. Why should I participate in the Census?

The 2010 Census helps ensure that your community receives its fair share of political representation and government funding. Census data directly affect how more than $400 billion per year in federal and state funding is allocated to local, state and tribal governments – that’s $4 trillion over a 10-year period. Data about how our communities are changing are crucial to many planning decisions – such as neighborhood improvements, emergency preparedness and disaster recovery, public health, education, transportation, senior services and much more.

3. How will the 2010 Census help me and my family?

The 2010 Census helps ensure that your community receives its fair share of political representation and government funding. Census data directly affect how more than $400 billion per year in federal and state funding is allocated to local, state and tribal governments – that’s $4 trillion over a 10-year period. Data about how our communities are changing are crucial to many planning decisions – such as neighborhood improvements, emergency preparedness and disaster recovery, public health, education, transportation, senior services and much more. You and your family are directly affected by the funding allocated to your community for schools, public safety, and other government resources.

4. When will the questionnaires be delivered?

The Initial Questionnaire Package, which will consist of the Initial Questionnaire, a Cover Letter, and a Return Envelope, will be delivered between March 15 and March 17, 2010 in areas where the United States Postal Service delivers the census questionnaires for the Census Bureau. Census workers will deliver questionnaires March 1 - April 31, 2010 in all other areas.

5. What is the due date for returning the questionnaire?

BEFORE April 1, 2010: The Census Bureau does not establish a due date for returning the questionnaire, but we ask that you mail back the questionnaire as soon as possible. Even though the census counts people as of April 1, if you plan on living at the address on the questionnaire on April 1, you can complete the questionnaire now and mail it back in the postage-paid envelope.

ON OR AFTER April 1, 2010: The Census Bureau does not establish a due date for returning the questionnaire, but we ask that you mail back the questionnaire as soon as possible. Please complete your questionnaire now and return it to us. If we do not receive your questionnaire soon, a census worker may visit your house and complete one with you.

6. How long will this take?

The census form takes only about 10 minutes to complete for the average household.

7. Is my privacy protected?

The Census Bureau only collects those data that are necessary to meet Federal agency needs required by Federal legislation, administrative regulation, or court decision. We also ensure that we tell you why we're collecting the information, and we are committed to treating you with respect during the information collection process. In addition, the Census Bureau has strict confidentiality provisions in place to ensure that the data respondents entrust to us are protected. No one, except those persons who are sworn for life to protect your confidentiality and only those who have a need to see the data can see your answers. Compliant with Title 13, United States Code, there are severe penalties for any sworn individual who makes your answers known. Further, the Census Bureau has established a Chief Privacy Officer responsible for seeing that the privacy principles are followed.

8. Will you share my information with the INS, IRS, or other agencies?

No, individual census records are not shared with anyone, including government agencies or private organizations. It is unlawful 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. After 72 years, the individual census records are sent to the National Archives where they are made public primarily for genealogical research.

9. What is Census Day?

This is the day that the Census Bureau sets as a reference date for collecting your information.Census Day for the 2010 Census is April 1, 2010. You do not have to wait until April 1, to complete and return your form. It is not a deadline for sending back your form. Please fill out and mail back your census questionnaire as soon as possible.If we have not received and processed your completed form by April 9, a census worker may visit you to obtain your responses.

10. Why does the U.S. Census Bureau need to know my race?

Information on race is required for many Federal programs and is critical in making policy decisions, particularly for civil rights. States use these data to meet legislative redistricting principles. Race data also are used to promote equal employment opportunities and to assess racial disparities in health and environmental risks.

11. How are census data used?

The main purposes of census data are to provide the population counts needed to apportion seats in the House of Representatives and to determine state legislative district boundaries. Census data provides a snapshot of the nation, which helps define who we are. Census data directly affect how more than $400 billion per year in federal and state funding is allocated to local, state, and tribal governments.

Federal agencies use census data to distribute funds so that resources can be targeted to the areas in need as well as to assess the impact of their programs. At the state and local level, census data help decision makers plan economic development and assess the needs of their residents, such as the need for schools, hospitals, and job training. Grocery stores, restaurants, car dealerships, and other businesses use census data to help decide where to locate new outlets and offices.

12. Who should fill out the questionnaire that is mailed to the residence?

The person who owns or rents the living quarters should complete the questionnaire. However, another household member who is at least 15 years of age can fill it out. Your participation is vital to ensure a complete and accurate count for your community in 2010.

13. Why do you need my telephone number?

We may need to clarify your questionnaire responses. If we have a phone number, we may be able to do this without having to send a census worker to your home. Your telephone number is kept confidential, as are all your responses.

14. What if I need help completing the form?

Please call the Telephone Questionnaire Assistance at 1-866-872-6868.
(If you prefer a Spanish-speaking operator, then dial 1-866-928-2010.) The lines will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (your local time) seven days a week from February 25, 2010 through July 30, 2010.

For the hearing-impaired, dial 1-866-783-2010 (during the times noted above).

15. What if I've lost my return envelope?

If your postage-paid envelope is lost or missing from your package, then mail your completed questionnaire to:

U.S. Census Bureau
National Processing Center
1201 East 10th Street
Jeffersonville, IN 47132

16. What do I do if I didn't receive a questionnaire?

If you did not receive a questionnaire, call the Telephone Questionnaire Assistance Center at 1-866-872-6868. (If you prefer a Spanish-speaking operator, then dial 1-866-928-2010). The lines will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (your local time) seven days a week from February 25, 2010 through July 30, 2010.

For the hearing-impaired, dial 1-866-783-2010 (during the times noted above)

17. Is there someone I can call to confirm that this is legitimate?

If someone from the Census Bureau has contacted you at home and you have questions, please contact the Census Bureau Denver Regional Census Center:

TEL: 303-264-0202
TDD: 303-969-6767

18. Do I have to respond to the 2010 Census?

Yes, your participation in the 2010 Census is vital and required by law-- Title 13 of the United States Code, requires your response. Title 13 also requires that the Census Bureau keep respondents' answers confidential and uses them only for tabulations that do not reveal any personal data about individuals or households. By being counted, you help ensure that your community receives its fair share of political representation and government funding. The census form will only take about 10 minutes to complete.

19. How are census questions determined?

Census questions are determined in response to the data needs of federal, state, local, and tribal governments. We ask questions that will help us obtain some basic information necessary for apportionment (determining how many Congress persons each state gets) and redistricting (determining the boundaries for Congressional districts within a state). Additionally, census information is used in federal, state, and local programs to allocate billions of dollars every year in funding.