The Census: A Snapshot

• What: The census is a count of everyone residing in the United States on April 1, 2010.
• 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 questionnaires 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.

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

• 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 federal agencies and law enforcement entities.

For more information go to census.gov