Census 2010- March 16, 2010

With Census forms arriving in Steuben County mailboxes, we thought it was time to share some more information about the Census (and why it is important to Steuben County for everybody to complete and return the forms).

You may complete your Census form and return it as soon as you receive it.

The following information is provided by 2010 Census Indiana.


How does the Census impact Indiana’s rural and agricultural communities?

• The 10-year Census count will show us how (and how much) the rural and agricultural areas of our state are changing, where people are coming from or where they moved to, and more.
• The size of an area’s population determines how much federal and state money is received in our communities.
• County extension offices, co-ops, federal agricultural assistance programs, and others use Census information when applying for grants, determining levels of disaster relief funding, and how to target their services.

How does the Census benefit me and my neighbors?

• Census data is used to apportion congressional seats.
• Census data is used to draw districts for the Indiana General Assembly.
• Census data drives funding for and delivery of many federal programs, up to $1,200 per person. (Medicaid, WIC food grants, social services, Schools, Transportation funding, Programs for seniors, Emergency supplies)

What is the Census process?

• The U.S. Constitution requires a count of all people living in the United States every 10 years. The United States Census Bureau is charged with counting the population.
• The Census count does not differentiate between citizens and non-citizens; ALL people living in the U.S. are counted.
• The Census Bureau uses address lists (updated this year) to send a Census form to each residence in the country.
• Residences include homes, apartments, residential facilities, dorms, shelters, and non-traditional housing structures.

April 1, 2010 is Census Day.

• Forms will arrive in the U.S. mail in mid- to late-March 2010.
• Census forms are available in multiple languages.
• Census responses should reflect all people living in a residence as of April 1, 2010.
• Responses should also reflect those people who live in the residence most of the year.

Are Census responses confidential?

• Data you provide to the U.S. Census Bureau through the 2010 Census Form is private.
• Data is not shared with federal, state, or local government agencies.
• Data is not shared with law enforcement.
• Names and addresses collected as a part of the Census are used to verify that each resident is counted only once. Names and addresses are not provided to law enforcement.