United States Census 2010:
IT'S IN OUR HANDS

In 2010, the U.S. Census Bureau issued a call to action for every resident of our nation: "Be Counted." Many communities have already received their census questionnaires in the mail. Please make sure to complete and return your questionnaire upon receipt. Click here for more information about the 2010 Census.

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

Who: All U.S. residents must be counted – both citizens and non-citizens.

When: You will receive your questionnaire in March 2010 either by U.S. mail or hand delivery. Some people in remote areas will be counted in person.

Why: The U.S. Constitution requires a national census once every 10 years to count the population and determine the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives.

How: Households should complete and mail back their questionnaire upon receipt. Households that do not respond may receive a replacement questionnaire in early April. Census takers will visit households that do not return questionnaires to take a count in person.

A Complete Count: The Importance of Census Data

• Every year, the federal government allocates more than $400 billion to states and communities based, in part, on census data.
• Census data is used to determine locations for retail stores, schools, hospitals, new housing developments and other community facilities.
• Census data determines boundaries for state and local legislative and congressional districts.

2010 Census Questionnaire: Easy, Important and Safe
With only 10 questions, the 2010 Census questionnaire takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. Households are asked to provide key demographic information including: whether a housing unit is rented or owned; the address of the residence; and the names, genders, ages and races of others living in the household.

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