What is the Decennial census?

Every 10 years, the federal government conducts a population count of everyone in the United States. Data from the census provide the basis for distributing more than $675 billion in federal funds annually to communities across the country to support vital programs—impacting housing, education, transportation, employment, health care, and public policy. They also are used to redraw the boundaries of congressional and state legislative districts and accurately determine the number of congressional seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Show All Answers

1. What is the Decennial census?
2. When will I complete the census?
3. How can I respond?
4. What information will be requested?
5. Do I have to take the census?
6. How do I take the census?
7. What is the deadline to respond to the census?
8. What happens if I do not respond?
9. What happens if I do not answer one of the questions on the survey?
10. Why does the census need all my information?
11. Is the census available in languages besides English?
12. Do I have to be a U.S. Citizen to participate in the census?