United States Census 2010

            Take 10 - It's Easy, Important and Safe

Here's what you should know about the 2010 Census:

It's Easy.  One of the shortest census forms in history, the 2010 Census form asks 10 questions and takes about 10 minutes to complete.  The individual in whose name the housing unit is rented or owned should complete the form on behalf of every person living there, both relatives and nonrelatives.  The most efficient way to respond to the 2010 Census is to complete the form as soon as it arrives and return it in the postage-paid return envelope. Census workers will only visit households that do not return forms to take the count in person.  High mail participation rates reduce the number of census workers who must go door-to-door to collect census data.  Mailing back the form saves about $85 million for every one percent of increase in mail participation.  Additionally, the Census Bureau saves $60-70 per census form returned by mail.  Most importantly, filling out the form and mailing is back will help insure a more accurate count.

It's Important.  The Census helps paint a portrait of America by showing how the country evolved over the past 10 years and what America needs for the next 10 years.  The 2010 Census is more that just a population count.  It's about the future and well-being of our community and country.  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, determine locations for hospitals, senior and child-care centers, and schools.  Data also assists in forecasting transportation needs and public transit options.  Businesses use census data to locate supermarkets, new housing and other facilities.  Census data are also used to reapportion seats in Congress and ensure proper district representation in state and local governments.

It's Safe.  By law, the U.S. Census Bureau cannot share respondents' answers with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities.  All Census Bureau employees take an oath of nondisclosure and are sworn for life to protect the confidentiality of the data.  The penalty for unlawful disclosure is a fine of up to $250,000 or imprisonment of up to five years, or both.

The Census Process:

• Everyone in the United States must be counted.  This includes people of all ages, races, ethnic groups; citizens and noncitizens.

• Census forms will be delivered or mailed to households starting mid-March of 2010.

• Households should complete and mail back their forms upon receipt.  Remember, we can't move forward until you mail it back.

• Census Day is April 1, 2010.  Responses to the census form should include everyone who will be living at your address on that date.  (It is not necessary to wait until Census Day to return census forms, however.  Forms should be returned as quickly as possible.)  People should be counted at the residence where they live or sleep most of the time.

• The individual in whose name the housing unit is rented or owned should complete the form on behalf of every person living in the residence, both relatives and nonrelatives.

Assistance

Questionnaire Assistance Centers (QAC) will be available to assist those unable to read or understand the census form, and Language Assistance Guides also will be available in 59 languages at all QAC locations.  For those with visual impairments, the Language Assistance Guide will be available in large print and Braille.  Deaf and hard-of-hearing persons who do not have access to Video Relay Service (VRS) can call the TDD number, 1-866-783-2010.

For more information, visit 2010census.gov