What is the Census?

• The census is a count of everyone living in the United States every 10 years.
• The census is mandated by the U.S. Constitution.
• The next census is in 2010.
• Your participation in the census is required by law.
• It takes less than 10 minutes to complete.
• Federal law protects the personal information you share during the census.

Census data is used to distribute Congressional seats to states, to make decisions about what community services to provide, and to distribute $300 billion in federal funds to local, state and tribal governments each year.

The census data is used to decide how many Representatives we have in Congress and to determine state legislative district boundaries, to ensure citizens are adequately represented.  Census data directly affects how federal and state funding is allocated to local, state, and tribal governments.

Census data is also useful to local governments to help them assess the need for schools, hospitals, and job training. Grocery stores, restaurants, car dealerships, and other businesses use census data to help decide where to locate new outlets and offices.