Frequently asked questions
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 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?
Many residents who do not complete and return a 2010 Census form will receive a replacement form. If no form is mailed back, residents will receive a visit from a census taker some time after March 2010. The census taker will ask you the questions on the form, record your answers and submit the form for your household. Census takers will visit homes up to three times in their attempt to record resident information for 2010 Census. The census taker will leave a door hanger, featuring a phone number, if residents are not at home.
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, nursing homes, and emergency shelters, and transitional shelters for people experiencing homelessness. Preview the Individual Census Report, used to count these individuals here.
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. More information is available here.
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/.
