Census 2010: It’s in Our Hands

The U.S. Census Bureau will conduct a national census in March and April of 2010. The United States Constitution mandates that the federal government count everyone residing in the United States every ten years. Every person is to be counted where they reside on April 1, 2010. 

The Champaign County Complete Count Committee is assisting the U.S. Census Bureau and would like to share four important facts about the 2010 Census.

• Census 2010 is easier than ever! Just 10 simple questions taking less than 10 minutes to complete.

• Every person is counted regardless of age, sex, race, ethnicity, home ownership, or citizenship. Temporary residents including college students are counted where they primarily reside on April 1, 2010.

• By law, your answers are held strictly confidential for 72 years. No court of law and not even the President of the United States can access your individual responses.

• Once completed, the questionnaire is mailed back to the Census Bureau free of charge.

The population count from the Census determine the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives and affects how nearly $300 billion in federal funding is distributed to communities each year. Census data can help potential homeowners research property values, median income, and other demographic information about communities. Corporations can use census data for market research, or to help determine locations for new stores or services.

For more information, please see the Champaign County Complete Count Committee web page at www.ccrpc.org/census2010.php, and which includes an informative podcast and video. Any questions can be emailed census2010@ccrpc.org.