|
Census Snap Shot
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: 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
A
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 local decision-makers on where to build new roads, hospitals,
child-care and senior citizen centers, schools, and more.
Businesses use census data to locate supermarkets, new housing and other
facilities.
Census
data determine how many seats each state will have in the U.S. House of
Representatives.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who should fill out the census questionnaire?
A.
The individual in whose name the housing unit
is owned or rented should complete the questionnaire on behalf of every
person living in the residence, including relatives and non-relatives.
Q. How will the 2010 Census differ from previous
censuses?
A.
In 2010, every residence will receive a short
questionnaire of just 10 questions. More detailed socioeconomic information
previously collected through the decennial census will be asked of a small
percentage of the population through the annual American Community Survey.
To learn more about the American Community Survey, visit
www.census.gov.
Q. How are census data used?
A.
Census data determine the number of seats
each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives. Census data also
can help determine the allocation of federal funds for community services,
such as school lunch programs and senior citizen centers, and new
construction, such as highways and hospitals.
Q. What kind of assistance is available to help
people 4. complete the questionnaire?
2010 Census
questionnaire language assistance guides are available in a variety of
languages. Questionnaire Assistance Centers (QAC) will also assist those
unable to read or understand the questionnaire. Large-print questionnaires
are available to the visually impaired upon request, and a Teletext Device
for the Deaf (TDD) program will help the hearing impaired. Contact your
Regional Census Center for more details about the types of assistance
available and for QAC locations.
Q. How does the Census Bureau count people without
a 5. permanent residence?
Census Bureau
workers undertake extensive operations to take in-person counts of people
living in group quarters, such as college dormitories, military barracks,
nursing homes and shelters, as well as those who have been displaced by
natural disasters.
2010 Census Timeline: Key Dates
February - March 2010
Census
questionnaires are mailed or delivered to households.
March - April 2010
Be
Counted program is implemented. Census questionnaires are available at
select public sites for individuals who did not receive one by mail.
April 1, 2010
Census
Day
May - July 2010
Census
takers visit households that did not return a questionnaire by mail.
December 31, 2010
By law,
Census Bureau delivers population counts to the President for apportionment.
March
2011
By law,
the Census Bureau completes delivery of redistricting data to states.
2010 Census Jobs
The US Census Bureau is looking for thousands of people to work in temporary
jobs across Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. The jobs involve going
door-to-door to interview residents.
Job applicants are required to take a skills test and undergo a background
check. Most jobs require U.S. citizenship, a driver's license and use of a
vehicle. The Census Bureau is also looking for people who are bilingual.
|
