Download - The Census An Introduction

The CensusAn Introduction

About The Census• The Census, which is mandated by the

U.S. Constitution, is taken every 10 years.• It counts all residents, including U.S.

citizens and non-citizens.

About The Census• This year’s Census form asks 10

questions, including the number of people in a residence, their relationship, Name, Sex, Age, Date of birth, Race/ Ethnicity, and home ownership.

About The Census• All of the

information collected is summarized into a statistical report.

About The Census• Names remain confidential for 72 years.

How is the Data Used?• Census Data is used to re-draw legislative

boundaries for the U.S. House of Representatives, state legislatures and local voting districts.

U.S. Congressional Districts

How is the data used?

• It is also used to allocate federal and state funds for education, research, transportation, road repairs, medical care, libraries and public safety.

About The Census• Future genealogists & researchers may also

find your information interesting.

Who should fill out the form?

• The Census is a survey of all people, both citizens and non-citizens.

• People who live in an area more than 50% of the year should fill out the form.

For more information about mapping and using Census data contact:

Linda ZellmerGovernment Information & Data Services LibrarianWestern Illinois University LibrariesMalpass Library [email protected]