United
States
Census
2010
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.
- 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 April. Census workers also visit households that do not return
questionnaires.
A Complete Count: The Importance of
Census Data
- Every year, the
federal government can allocate awards more than $400 billion to states and
communities based, in part, on census data.
- Census data affect
school budgets, including the distribution of Title 1 funding and college
tuition grant and loan programs.
- Community planners
use census data to determine where to build new schools, develop public
transportation, and create new roads.
- Census data affect
your voice in Congress as well as the redistricting of state legislatures,
county and city councils and voting districts.
What does the Census offer Educators and
Students?
- Age specific
educational materials for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
Materials include: maps displaying population counts and other demographic
information; and lesson plans grouped by grade and correlated to national
standards for math, geography, and language arts. Materials that
integrate census information with social studies and community participation
also will be avaliable.