About the Census – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Census? Why is it important?

Who conducts the survey? How are other governments involved?

How will the census affect Minnesota residents? What can we expect?

How is Census information used? Will my personal information be requested or shared?

How do I find out more about Census jobs?

How do I contact the Census Bureau to make sure I get a survey?

What is the Census? Why is it important?

The U.S. government conducts a census, or count, of every person living in the country once every 10 years. This count is the only comprehensive count of individuals living in the U.S. – periodic surveys provide more detailed demographic information, but only the census information serves as the official basis for establishing population.

In preparation for the census, every known address in the United States is verified. A questionnaire is then mailed to each household for residents to complete. Residents in group quarters, such as dormitories, nursing homes, and correctional facilities, will be counted by census workers, rather than sending questionnaires to each individual unit.

The census is used to apportion members of the U.S. House of Representatives, and population information is the basis for allocating federal program funds. Minnesota could lose one representative in the U.S. House as a result of the census. In addition, millions of dollars in federal funds are allocated throughout the country based on population. Many other aid-based formulas rely on population counts, as well.

To retain Minnesota’s congressional representation and assure its fair share of federal funds, everyone in Minnesota needs to answer the census.

Who conducts the survey? How are other governments involved?
The U.S. Census Bureau, a part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is responsible for conducting the census every 10 years. Title 13 of U.S. Code governs the practices of the Census Bureau and conducting census activities.

Each state designates a “State Data Center” and affiliated local and regional data centers, such as the Metropolitan Council’s Regional Data Center, to receive, analyze, and disseminate census data. When the census is conducted every 10 years, states also help organize local governments, community organizations, businesses, and other partners to encourage residents to participate in the census so the count is complete as possible.

In addition, all state, federal, and local governments rely on the population numbers established by the census.

How will the census affect Minnesota residents? What can we expect?
Every household in Minnesota should receive a questionnaire in the mail sometime during March 2010. The questionnaire is short – only 10 questions related to each individual living in your household. It’s important to take a few minutes as soon as you receive the questionnaire to fill it out and send it back. In April 2010, census workers, called “enumerators” will begin follow-up visits to residences that haven’t returned the questionnaire. If you send back the questionnaire you receive right away, your household will not receive a visit from a census worker.

You may also receive a second questionnaire if the first one is not returned promptly. They are automatically scheduled to be delivered, based on the addresses from which a questionnaire has not been returned.

If you don’t receive a questionnaire in March, contact the Kansas City Regional Office at 1-866-861-2010 or 1-888-340-7525.

Prior to 2010, census staff will be verifying every address in the country, using handheld computers. They will also begin counting group quarters in late 2009.

Federal law requires that every U.S. resident participate in the census.

Who is counted?
Every U.S. resident, regardless of their citizenship status, will be counted in the census, as mandated by the U.S. Constitution.

How is census information used?
Census information is used to establish the population of each community and state across the country.

The census counts are used to establish how each state’s congressional districts are apportioned. Minnesota currently has eight members of the U.S. House. In addition, the Minnesota Legislature’s members are apportioned according to census population – the redistricting process will begin in 2012.

Local government wards, and Metropolitan Council districts are also based on population estimates, and those districts will likely be redrawn beginning in 2012.

Will my personal information be shared?
No. Federal law prohibits the Census Bureau from sharing individual census records with any other agency – individual and household responses with identifying information are personal and protected data and are accessible only to census-employed researchers.

Summary information is prepared from the census and is available for a variety of local areas across the country.

How do I find out more about census jobs?
The U.S. Census Bureau conducts the census. About 8,000 individuals in Minnesota will be hired for census-related jobs throughout the state. For more information about census jobs, contact the St. Paul census office at 612-216-5970.

How do I contact the Census Bureau to make sure I get a survey?
If you don’t receive a questionnaire in March, contact the Kansas City Regional Office at 1-866-861-2010 or 1-888-340-7525.