2010 Census

Why the census is important

The 2010 Census data will be used to:

  • Determine how more than $3 trillion in federal funds are awarded to local, state, and tribal governments in the next 10 years.
  • Guide local decision-makers in community planning efforts, including where to build new roads, hospitals, and schools.
  • Determine how many seats Washington State will have in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The census form

The 2010 Census questionnaire is one of the shortest in history, and asks only a few questions of each person — name, relationship, gender, age, race, and whether you own or rent your home. The average household should be able to complete the questionnaire in just a few minutes.

No long questionnaires

In the last census, 1 in 6 households received a long questionnaire asking for detailed socioeconomic information. In 2010, every residence will receive the short questionnaire. Questions about how we live as a nation — our diversity, education, housing, jobs, and more — are now covered in the annual American Community Survey.

Your responses are confidential

All census responses are used for statistical purposes only, and are strictly confidential. By law, the Census Bureau cannot share an individual’s answers with anyone, including welfare and immigration agencies. Every census worker takes an oath for life to protect the confidentiality of census responses. Violation of this oath would result in a jail term of up to 5 years and/or a fine of up to $250,000.

Important census dates

Spring 2009 Census employees go door-to-door to update address list nationwide.
Fall 2009 Recruitment begins for census takers needed for peak workload in 2010.
February–March 2010 Census questionnaires are mailed or delivered to households.
April 1, 2010 Census Day
April–July 2010 Census takers visit households that didn’t return a questionnaire by mail.
December 2010 Census Bureau delivers population counts to the President for apportionment.
March 2011 Census Bureau completed delivery of redistricting data to the state.

More information

For more information about the 2010 Census, see http://www.census.gov/2010census/.