The Census: A Snapshot
What: The census is a count of everyone residing in the
United States.
Who: All U.S. residents must be counted—both citizens and
non citizens.
When: You will receive your questionnaire in March 2010 either by U.S. mail or hand delivery. Some people in remote areas will be counted in person.
Why: The U.S. Constitution requires a national census once every 10 years to count the population and determine the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives.
How: 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.
Source: 2010 Census Fact Sheet (pdf)
