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
here.
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 United States
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.
Where Can I Get More Information?
Contact the Minnesota State Demographic
Center at 651/201-2473 or the Census Bureau’s Kansas City Regional Office at
816/298-9675,
www.census.gov/2010census/.
To download a copy of our Frequently
Asked Questions Handout, please
click here.
