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.

Complete Count: The Importance of Census Data

• Every year, the federal government can allocate more than $400 billion to states and communities based, in part, on census data.
• Census data guide planning for roads, schools, new hospitals, retail stores, new housing development, job training centers and more. 
• Census data are used to determine the need for additional social services, block grants and other grant programs essential to our communities.
• Census data determine boundaries for legislative districts like Wards, ANCs and Voting Precincts.

2010 Census Questionaire

• Easy: Shortest census questionnaire in history. 8-10 topics questions, takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.
• Safe: By law, responses cannot be shared with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities.
• Important: Census information helps determine locations for schools, roads, hospitals, job training, child-care and senior citizen centers, and more.
 
2010 Census Timeline: Key Dates.

• February – March 2010   Census questionnaires are mailed or delivered to households.
• April 1, 2010   Census Day
• May – July 2010   Census takers visit households that did not return a questionnaire by mail.
• December 2010   By law, Census Bureau delivers population counts to the President for apportionment.
• March 2011   By law, Census Bureau completes delivery of redistricting data to states.