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| 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. |
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| 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 questionnaires upon receipt. Households that do not respond will receive a replacement questionnaire in early April. Census takers will visit households that do not return questionnaires to take a count in person. |
FAQ's
Why should everyone participate in the 2010 Census?
Census data shape the future of your community and define your voice in Congress.
- Census information helps determine locations for schools, roads, hospitals, child-care and senior citizen centers, and more.
- Businesses use census data to locate supermarkets, shopping centers, new housing and other facilities.
- The census determines how many seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives as well as the boundaries of legislative districts.
How will the 2010 Census differ from previous census effort?
In the last census, one in six households received a long questionnaire asking for detailed socioeconomic information. In 2010, every residence will receive a short questionnaire that is simple and fast to complete and return. More detailed information will be collected annually from a small percentage of the population through the American Community Survey.
Should I participate if I or my family members are not legal residents?
YES! The US Constitution requires the Census Bureau to count every person who lives in this country, regardless of citizenship or immigration status.
Are forms available in different languages?
YES! The census questionnaire form is available in Chinese, Korean, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese. Language assistance guides are available in different languages. Call the number on the English form to request materials in your language. They will be mailed to your home.
Will the information the Census Bureau collect remain confidential?
Yes. Every Census Bureau worker takes an oath for life to protect the confidentiality of census responses. Violation would result in a jail term of up to five years and/or fine of up to $250,000. By law, the Census Bureau cannot share an individual's answers with anyone, including welfare and immigration agencies.
Why are partners so important to the 2010 Census campaign?
More than 140,000 organizations supported Census 2000, including state and local governments, community-and faith-based organizations, schools, media, businesses and others. The Census Bureau relies on partners to help explain the importance of completing the 2010 Census message to people in every corner of the United States. This is particularly important in areas isolated by language or geography. By joining forces with partners, the Census Bureau has a far greater chance to reach every U.S. resident than by attempting this monumental task alone.
2010 Census Timeline: Key Dates
Date |
Description |
Fall 2008 |
Recruitment begins for local census jobs for early census operations. |
Spring 2009 |
Census employees go door-to-door to update address list nationwide. |
Fall 2009 |
Recruitment begins for census takers needed for peak workload in 2010. |
Feb - Mar 2010 |
Census questionnaires are mailed or delivered to households. |
April 1, 2010 |
Census Day |
April - July 2010 |
Census takers visit households that did not return a questionnaire by mail. |
Dec 2010 |
By law, Census Bureau delivers population counts to President for apportionment. |
March 2011 |
By law, Census Bureau completes delivery of redistricting data to states. |
Related Links
US Census Bureau - 2010 Census
Snowbirds: What you need to know
Complete Count Committees
Questionnaire Assistance Center – Coming Soon
2010 Minnesota Census
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