Census Quick Facts

What is the Census?
The Census is a count of everyone residing in the United States, both citizens and non-citizens: in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Island Areas.

What type of information does the Census collect?
The 2010 Census is “a short form” census that collects only basic information. Age, Sex, Race, Hispanic or Latino origin, Household Relationship and whether your Home is Owned or Rented.

Why is the Census important?
The Census is extremely important for the City of Atlanta. Census data affects funding & political representation for your community. The Census is done to count the population and determine the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives.

When is the Census done, and why?
The Census is done every 10 years, and the next one takes place in 2010.  The Census is done to count the population and determine the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives.

In March of 2010 the Census questionnaires will be mailed or delivered to every household in the United States.  The questionnaires ask you to provide information that is accurate for your household as of April 1, 2010.

How long does it take to complete the Census?
It only takes a few minutes to answer and return.

How do you respond to the Census questionnaire and what happens if you do not respond?
Households should complete and mail back their questionnaires upon receipt.  Households that do not respond may receive a replacement questionnaire in early April.  Census takers will visit households that do not return questionnaires to take a count in person.

What type of assistance is available to help people complete the form?
If anyone has a problem filling out the forms, the 2010 Census questionnaire language assistance guides are available in a number of languages.  Questionnaire Assistance Centers will also assist those unable to read or understand the questionnaire.  Large-print questionnaires are available to the visually impaired upon request, and a Teletext Device for the Death program will help the hearing impaired.  Contact the Atlanta Regional Census Center at (404) 335-1555.

Does the Census Bureau ever release names and addresses to outside sources, even other federal agencies?
No. It’s completely safe and responses are strictly confidential and protected by law.