What exactly is the Census

What exactly is the Census?

The Constitution requires that the entire population of the United States be counted once every ten years. On Aril 1, 2000, every household was asked to fill out a census form that asks questions about the number of people living in the household, their ages, race and other important demographic data.

Why is the census important?
The census results are important for several reasons. They are used:

To distribute money from Federal, state and local governments for schools, bridges, hospitals, social programs and other uses.

To determine the number of Members of Congress allocated to each state and how legislative boundaries are drawn within states.

To plan and make policy decision.

To enforce civil rights laws.

How much money is distributed by the Federal government based on the census?
We expect that at least $185 billion will be distributed annually based on formulas using Census 2000 data. These funds will be directed to social service programs such as Medicaid and Foster Care.

Is the information I give the Census Bureau confidential?
Absolutely. The Census Bureau does not share its information about individuals with anyone, not even other government agencies. Not the IRS. Not the INS. Not the police. No one.

How will I know when the census is happening?
The Census Bureau, for the first time in history, is using a nationwide advertising campaign to announce the census and persuade people to participate. The Census Bureau is utilizing radio, TV, print and billboard advertising in 18 different languages to raise awareness and to drive participation.

Will Census Bureau officials really count everyone?
They are going to try, but even with their very best efforts, some people will be missed. Minorities, children, the poor, and people in rural areas are among the least likely to respond to the census.

How do I get a census form?
Last month, every home in America received a pre-notification letter by mail telling them that their census form was on its way. Those letters also contained instructions on how to obtain forms in more than 37 different languages. If you have not received an actual census form in the mail, you can contact the local census office or your local government to get one.

Does everyone fill out the same census form?
No. Five out of six households will get the "short form." The short form asks just eight questions: name, sex, age, race, relationship, Hispanic origin, whether you rent or own your home and how many people live in the household. A randomly selected one in six households will be asked to complete the "long form." The long form contains fifty-three questions in twenty-seven different subject areas related to work, technologies in the home and other demographic information.

What if I forget to fill out my form?
Past censuses have taught us that about 40 million households will fail to return a complete form. To count those people, the Census Bureau hopes to hire over 800,000 people to conduct a door-to-door headcount of those who did not return their form. It is an expensive process. It is much more cost effective for taxpayers to return their forms than to wait for an enumerator to knock on their door.

How will I know that the person at my door is really a census taker?
All Census Bureau employees will have proper identification, but also, whenever possible, they will be people from your own neighborhood. The Census Bureau knows that no one wants to open the door to a stranger. That is why it will try to hire people locally to count their own neighborhoods. They know where the houses are, and often, who lives in them.

What kinds of census jobs are available?
The Census Bureau needs people for data entry, clerical, enumerator and team leader positions. Testing for these jobs has begun. If you are interested in working for these jobs has begun. If you are interested in working for the Census Bureau, call 1-888-325-7733 or visit the Census Bureau website at http://www.census.gov

How does the Census Bureau plan to use sampling now that the Supreme Court has restricted its use?
On January 25, 1999, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Federal law prohibits the use of statistical sampling to determine the population count for congressional apportionment purposes. The Census Bureau, however, intends to release two sets of numbers - adjusted and unadjusted. This will allow governments to use the more accurate adjusted data for non-apportionment purposes like redistricting, funds distribution, and fiscal planning.

Did the Census Bureau collect information on the homeless?
Yes. An operation called Service-Based Enumeration (SBE) was set up to provide people without "usual residence" an opportunity to be counted. Questionnaires at selected non-SBE service locations, such as travelers’ aid centers and health care clinics, were made available.

What is the Census Bureau doing to provide non-English language assistance?
Individuals receiving the census form in the mail have the option of requesting a new form in a different language. The Census Bureau has launched the Census 2000 Language Program to overcome language barriers. Census Bureau Language Assistance Guides are visual aids to assist respondents in completing the Census 2000 forms. Guides are available in 49 different languages.

Comments or questions?
E-mail the

Hit Counter