United States Census 2010 Census Day is April 1, 2010!
Washington Census 2010 - "Everybody Counts" In order to accurately assess the number and location of the people living within the nation's borders, the U.S. Constitution mandates a census of the population every 10 years. The census population totals determine which states gain or lose representation in Congress. It also determines the amount of state and federal funding communities receive over the course of the decade. The facts about the nation's population gathered in the census will directly shape decisions and funding for schools, roads, hospitals, child-care and senior citizen centers, and more.
Goodbye Long Form Residents will receive Census questionnaires by mail in March 2010. In the past, most households received a short-form questionnaire, while one household in six received a long form that contained additional questions and provided more detailed socioeconomic information about the population.
The 2010 Census will be a short-form only census and will count all residents living in the United States as well as ask for name, sex, age, date of birth, race, ethnicity, relationship and housing tenure - taking just minutes to complete. Forms should be filled out and returned to the U.S. Census in the postage-paid envelope. More detailed information will be collected annually from a small percentage of the population through the American Community Survey.
Responses to the 2010 Census questionnaire are required, and protected, by Federal law. Census responses are used for statistical purposes only and are strictly confidential. For more information, visit the 2010 Census web site at http://www.census.gov/2010census/ .
Why Fill Out the Census Form? Starting with the first Census in 1790, the US Census is held every 10 years to obtain an accurate count of all people living in the United States. An accurate population count is critical to Washington and its residents.
It's important - The Census is simply gathering information about the U.S. population. Roughly $300 billion is distributed to municipalities annually for neighborhood improvements, public health, education, roads and transportation, and community programs. Funding levels for these critical services are based on Census data and population counts. The counts also affect your representation in the U.S. Congress and state and local government, and are routinely used to make local land use decisions.
It's confidential - Responses are protected by law (Title 13, U.S. Code, Section 9). Only summary information is published; detailed identify data and individual responses are held strictly confidential. Every Census Bureau worker takes an oath for life to protect the confidentiality of census responses. By law, the Census Bureau cannot share an individual's answers with anyone, including welfare and immigration agencies.
It's easy - It will take approximately 10 minutes for a typical household to complete the Census form and return it in the postage-paid envelope.
Recruiting Census Workers The Census Bureau will recruit nearly 3.8 million applicants for 2010 Census field operations. Of these applicants, the Census Bureau will hire about 1.4 million temporary employees. Some of these employees will be using GPS-equipped hand-held computers to update maps and ensure there is an accurate address list for the mailing of the census questionnaires.
Temporary part-time and full-time jobs will be available through the Peoria Regional Office. For more information on Census jobs, and to apply, visit http://www.2010censusjobs.gov. Information about regional office jobs can also be found at http://www.census.gov/rochi/www/emply.html .
Downloadable Census Documents:
An introduction to the 2010 US Census.
Household questionnaires (English & Bilingual English/Espanol)
Fact sheets for businesses, community/social service organizations, educators, faith-based organizations media, everyone.
Employment information brochure for 2010 Census job applicants (in English - en Espanol).
Census 2010 coloring and activity book.
Links Official US Census 2010 website (http://2010.census.gov)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)