U.S. Census 2010

Facts About 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 and your participation in the census is required by law.

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. 2010 Census data will directly affect how more than $3 trillion is allocated to local, state and tribal governments over the next 10 years. In order for this funding allocation to be accomplished fairly and accurately, the goal of the decennial census is to count everybody, count them only once, and count them in the right place. The facts gathered in the census also help shape decisions for the rest of the decade about public health, neighborhood improvements, transportation, education, senior services and much more.

In April 2009, U.S. Census workers began a state-wide foot canvass of every neighborhood in Michigan. This was done to ensure that all living quarters are in the Census Bureau’s address database.

Census Questionnaires Mailed or Delivered February – March 2010

The goal of the 2010 Census is to count all residents living in the United States on April 1, 2010. Census questionnaires will be mailed or delivered to households next February and March.

With one of the shortest questionnaires in history, the 2010 Census asks for name, gender, age, race, ethnicity, relationship, and whether you own or rent your home. It takes only about 10 minutes for the average household to complete. Responses to the 2010 Census questionnaire are required by law. All responses are used for statistical purposes only, and all are strictly confidential. Federal law protects the personal information you share during the census.

Census officials remind residents if they wish to avoid an “in person” visit in April through July 2010, they should not ignore the questionnaire.

For more information on U.S. Census 2010 click here.

Questions You May Have About the Census

I have Questions About the Questionnaire. Where do I call?

If you have questions about the questionnaire, call the Telephone Questionnaire Assistance center at 1-866-872-6868. (If you prefer a Spanish-speaking operator, then dial 1-866-928-2010.) The lines will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (your local time) seven days a week from February 25, 2010 through July 30, 2010.

What do I do If I Don’t Receive a Questionnaire, or I Lost or Misplaced by Census Form?

If you did not receive a questionnaire, call the Telephone Questionnaire Assistance Center at 1-866-872-6868. (If you prefer a Spanish-speaking operator, then dial 1-866-928-2010). The lines will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (your local time) seven days a week from February 25, 2010 through July 30, 2010.
For the hearing-impaired, dial 1-866-783-2010 (during the times noted above)

What Should I do if I My Questionnaire has the Wrong Address?

If you have NOT FILLED IN the questionnaire, please write "wrong address" on the front of the envelope, leave the questions blank, and drop it in the mail for return to the Census Bureau. But if you have filled in the questionnaire, throw it away. Discard the questionnaire in a way that is comfortable to you so that your personal information is not made known to the public. A census worker will visit your household and complete a questionnaire with you.

Will Census Workers Come to my Home? How Will I Know Them?

Census workers may need to visit your household to update the Census Bureau's address list, deliver a questionnaire or ask you to complete the questionnaire face-to-face. All census workers carry official government badges marked with just their name. You also may ask them for a picture ID from another source to confirm their identity. In addition, some census workers might carry a 'U. S. Census Workers' bag. If you still are not certain about their identity, please call the Regional Census Center at 313-259-1158 to confirm they are employed by the Census Bureau.

I am a "Snowbird." Where Should I be Counted?

You should be counted at your usual residence, that is, the place where you live and sleep most of the time during the year. This residence may not necessarily be your voting state, or the state where you lived most of your life, or the state that you consider your home, permanent residence, or legal residence.

Here are two examples of how to determine your usual residence.

• • If you spend four months of the year in Florida and eight months in Maine, then your usual residence is Maine. You should be counted in Maine.
• • If you spend equal parts of the year in California and in New York, you have no usual residence. If you happen to be living in California on April 1, 2010, then you should be counted in California.

Click here for more information on counting snowbirds, older persons, and retirees

Information for Counting College Students?

Click here for more information for counting college students.

Still Have Questions About the Census?

Please click here if you still have questions about the Census.

Census Employment Opportunities

In October 2009, the Census Bureau will begin recruiting operations to build and applicant pool to enable the hiring of temporary Census Staff during the peak period of field activities for Non-Response Operations.

Click here for further information on Census Employment Opportunities.