The 2010 Census is "a short form" census that collects only basic information. Age, Sex, Race, Hispanic or Latino origin, Household Relationship and whether your Home is Owned or Rented

• It's Important - Census data affect funding & political representation for your community. Over $300 billion in federal funds awarded to states and communities for new hospitals, schools, better transportation and social services.

• It's Easy - Every residence will receive a short questionnaire that is simple and fast to complete and return. It only takes a few minutes to answer and return.

• It's Safe - Responses are strictly confidential and protected by law - your individual answers are never released to the public, other government agencies or the private sector

WHY DO WE TAKE THE CENSUS?

• The U.S. Constitution (Article I, Section 2) mandates a headcount every 10 years, of everyone residing in the United States: in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the Island Areas. This includes people of all ages, races, ethnic groups, citizens, and noncitizens. The first census was conducted in 1790 and has been carried out every 10 years since then.

• The next census occurs in 2010. The population totals from this census will determine the number of seats each state has in the House of Representatives. States also use the totals to redraw their legislative districts.

• The U.S. Census Bureau must submit state population totals to the President of the United States by December 31, 2010.

• The totals also affect funding in your community, and data collected in the census help inform decision makers how your community is changing. Approximately $300 billion in federal funding is distributed to communities each year.

Will the 2010 Census be the same as 2000?

No, there are some important changes:
• 2010 Census will be short form only—just 10 easy questions.
• The long form is now part of the annual American Community Survey.
• Handheld computers with Global Positioning System will be used to check our address list in 2009.

Census History

The first census took place in 1790 to determine the number of seats each state would have in the U.S. House of Representatives. The census also was created to gain a better understanding of where people lived and to establish patterns of settlement as the nation grew.

For more information visit the Census website at www.census.gov/2010census