2010 United States Census

The Census: A Snapshot  

What: The census is a count of everyone residing in the United States.

Who: All U.S. residents must be counted-people of all races and ethnic groups, both citizens and non-citizens.

When: Census Day is April 1, 2010. Questionnaire responses should represent the household as it exists on this day. More detailed socioeconomic information will be collected annually from a small percentage of the population through the American Community Survey.

Why: The U.S. Constitution requires a national census once every 10 years. The census will show state population counts and determine representation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

How: Census questionnaires will be delivered or mailed to households via U.S. mail in March 2010; many households will receive a replacement questionnaire in early April. Census workers also will visit households that do not return questionnaires.

A Complete Count: The Importance of Census Data

Every year, the federal government can allocate more than $300 billion to states and communities based, in part, on census data.

Census data guides local decision-makers on where to build new roads, hospitals, child-care and senior citizen centers, schools, and more.

Businesses use census data to locate supermarkets, new housing, and other facilities.

Census data determines how many seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives.

2010 Census Questionnaire: Quick, Easy, and Confidential

With only 10 questions, the 2010 Census questionnaire is one of the shortest questionnaires in history and takes just 10 minutes to complete.

By law, the Census Bureau cannot share an individual's census questionnaire responses with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities.

Become a 2010 Census Partner

Your partnership sends a strong message to your community about the importance of the census and the benefits of being counted. By partnering with the Census Bureau. you can help:

• Ensure accurate census data, which guide funding decisions for your community and affect
  your representation in Congress .
  
• Spread the word about temporary census jobs in your community .
  
• Assure people that it is important - and safe - to answer the census.

Take Action for Your Community and Country

As a partner, you will play an important role in making the 2010 Census successful by encouraging people in your community to take part in the count. You can:

• Encourage your peers to get involved by joining a Complete Count Committee (CCC), an
  organized group of other influential leaders in your area who are committed to increasing
  participation in the census.
• Issue a proclamation or other public endorsement of the 2010 Census.
• Include census information in newsletters, mailings, and online.
• Conduct meetings or other events to encourage participation in the census.
• Help recruit census workers.
• Provide space for Be Counted sites and Questionnaire Assistance Centers or for testing and training census employees.