Census 2010 begins in March. We all need to be counted!


By now, you might have received your Census 2010 form in the mail. (Don’t worry if you haven’t received yours — it’s on the way!)  Forms were mailed for March delivery to households throughout the country. When you receive the form, just take a moment to complete the form and return it.  A complete and accurate count of the population is important as the Census 2010 data will be used in allocating Federal resources, including seats in the House of Representatives. With economic resources and representation at the Federal level at stake, it’s easy to understand why this is important. Since the Census 2000, Montgomery County’s population has grown and is more diverse, so it is crucial that County residents respond to the Census 2010 to assure a complete and accurate count.

So don’t procrastinate when you receive your Census 2010 form in mail — fill it out and return it by mail.  The Census 2010 form contains only 10 questions and can completed in about 10 minutes. How simple is that?

April 1, 2010 is National Census 2010 Day. Use this date as a deadline for sending your completed census form back in by mail.
Here are a few FAQs about the Census 2010:
Why is the Census 2010 important to Montgomery County?

  • Because Census 2010 data will be used to parcel out $400 billion annually in Federal funds – including funds for education, health care, and other social services.
  • Because Census 2010 data will be used to apportion seats in the House of Representatives and shape Congressional Districts.
  • According to the Brookings Institution the national average for federal funds allocated on the basis of the census is now $1,415 per-person.  So every person counted will “bring in”  $14,150 over the next decade.
  • Census 2010 data will be used to guide State and local apportionments of budget resources.
  • An under count of County’s population will have a detrimental effect on the schools and crucial social services infrastructure.

Who needs to be counted in Census 2010?

  • Everyone who is a resident of the United States Montgomery County.
  • You need to be counted even if you are currently homeless.
  • Your immigration status is not a factor, if you reside in Montgomery County and the United States you need to be counted.

What you can do and what is involved in responding to Census 2010?

  • Talk to your neighbors, co-workers, and friends and tell them to complete the Census 2010 form and return the completed forms by mail.
  • If you know people who are reluctant to respond, encourage them to complete and return the form.  Invite them to look at some of the information online at the links below.
  • From late April through July census workers will make in person visits to addresses that have not responded.  The census workers will have official ID tags.

Who has access to the Census 2010 data?

  • Your private information is never published, your privacy is protected by law.
  • Title 13 of the U.S. Code protects the confidentiality of all your information and violating this law is a crime with severe penalties.
  • By law, the Census Bureau cannot share an individual’s personal information with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities.

Where should you be counted?

  • Most people should be counted in the residence in which they live most of the time.
  • People living in group homes, shelters, emergency and transitional shelters for homeless should be counted at those locations
  • Military personnel should be counted: on base in the barracks in the United States, if off base at the residence where they live most of the time. If stationed or deployed overseas the count will use the military’s records for home address.
  • College students should be counted at home if living with parents while attending college.  If living on campus or in off-campus housing students should be counted at their respective residences.
  • Foreign citizens living in the United States should be counted at their residence in the U.S.  Foreign citizens visiting for vacation or business trips are not counted.

The following are web site links for the official Census 2010 web site and online information:

Census 2010 information in select Languages

* There are additional language translations on the Census 2010 web site.