What is the Census?
- The Census is a count of everyone living in the United States
- The Census takes place every 10 years
- The Census is mandated by the U.S. Constitution
- Your participation in the Census is required by law
- It takes less than 10 minutes to complete the Census
- Federal law protects any personal information you share during the Census
- Census data are used to distribute $300 billion in federal funds to local, state and tribal governments each year
- Census data are used to make decisions about which community services to provide
- Census data are used to distribute seats to states for the U.S. Congress
Will the 2010 Census be the same as 2000?
No, there are some important changes:
- The 2010 Census will consist of a very short form, just 10 easy questions.
- The long form is now part of the annual American Community Survey (ACS).
- Handheld computer with Global Positioning System (GPS) will be used to check our address list in 2009.
(click image below to view a video about the 2010 census)
How else are Census data used?
The federal government uses population data to allocate funds in a number of areas:
- Title 1 Grants to Educational Agencies (school districts across the nation)
- Head Start Programs
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Public transportation
- Road Rehabilitation and Construction
- Programs for the Elderly
- Emergency Food and Shelter
- Empowerment Zones
- The data help the private sector as well as state and federal governments determine where jobs and job programs are needed.
- Census data help potential homeowners research property values, median income, and other demographic information about a particular community.
- Corporations use population data for market research to determine locations for commercial enterprises, such as food stores, pharmacies and other essential services.
Are Census Data Really Confidential?
Absolutely. Your answers are protected by law and are strictly confidential. It is illegal for the Census Bureau, or its employees, to share your personal information with any other government agency – not law enforcement, IRS, Welfare, FBI, Immigration, etc.
No court of law, not even the President of the United States, can access your individual responses.
Census Employment Opportunities
Are you interested in working part-time for the Census Bureau during the upcoming Census? Information regarding hiring and recruitment efforts for the Rochester area can be obtained by calling toll free at 1-866-861-2010. To learn more about job opportunities with the U.S. Census, please visit http://2010.census.gov/2010censusjobs/.
For more information about the 2010 Census, visit www.census.gov.
Visit New York State's Census Web site at http://census2010.ny.gov/
