What is the Census? Every 10 years, the US conducts a Census of the population by sending a form in the mail to every household in the country. The Census counts people of all ages, races, ethnic groups, citizens and non-citizens.
How is the Census taken? Census forms will be mailed to households in March 2010. Census forms must be mailed back on or before April 1, 2010. If assistance is needed filling out forms, Questionnaire Assistance Centers will be available. For people living in group quarters such as nursing homes, student dormitories or prisons, a Census Bureau worker will visit those facilities in April and will return in May 2010 to take a count of those facilities.
What is on the Census form? The form is a simple one-page, 10 question form that takes less than 10 minutes to complete. It asks for information about the number of people living in the household, their age, race and gender.
Is information taken by the Census private? Information given on the Census form is 100% confidential. By law, it is illegal to share Census information with any other government agency such as immigration, IRS or Welfare. Census workers take an oath to protect the privacy of respondents and face jail time and/or heavy fines if they violate that oath.
Why do we have a Census? Census data is used by the government in a variety of important decisions, including allocation of $400 billion in federal funds each year; determination of where roads, bridges, ands schools will be built; and apportionment of federal, state and local government representatives for communities. For every Denver resident counted, our community gains a minimum of $826 per person each year for 10 years in Federal funds. Since the 2000 Census, we have lost more than $74 million for those who weren't counted in Denver.
What if I don’t mail back my Census form? Households not returning a Census form by mail will be called or visited by a Census worker.
How do I know the person at my door is a Census worker? U.S. Census workers will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions, and never invite anyone you don’t know into your home. While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, the Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers nor will employees solicit donations. The Census Bureau will not contact you by Email, so be on the lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census.