2010 Census
March is designated as the month that households across the United States, as well as Puerto Rico, will receive the 2010 census form by mail. The United States Census Bureau is asking that all households answer the questions on the form and mail it back. A postage-paid envelope will be included. If a household does not mail the form back, a census taker will visit the household to fill out the form. Be aware that no personal information such as social security numbers or legal status of household members will be sought. For more information and a sneak peak at the 2010 census form, visit the 2010 official census website.
Follow the 2010 Census:
The History
The framers of the United States, in setting up the structure of Congress, specified that the number of representatives serving in Washington from each state would vary according to population counts within the state. The census also determines federal funding that will be available for libraries, schools, infrastructure projects such as bridges, senior citizen centers, hospitals and other important community services. According to Article 1, Section 2 of the United States Constitution, to achieve this, an “enumeration” will take place every ten years. Thus, the federal census was begun in the year 1790, and has taken place every ten years since. To learn more about the history of the census, read Measuring America: The Decennial Censuses From 1790 to 2000
The Form
In 1790, the census form entailed simply listing each household, naming the head of the family, and taking a numerical count for each person, by age groups, residing in the household. Forms have changed over the years, and the questions asked have varied, providing demographic information that forms a snapshot of society during a specific time period. The 2010 form will ask only 10 basic, non-invasive questions. The form is available online to view, but cannot be filled out online.
By law, census records are unavailable to the public for 72 years. This means that information filled out on the 2010 census forms will not become public until 2082.
Census records are frequently accessed by genealogists in search of their family tree. Currently, records from the 1930 census are available to the public, and in April 2012, records from the 1940 census will be opened.
The Monroe County Library System provides several ways to access past public census records:
Subscriptions to AncestryPlus (can only be accessed from a library computer) and HeritageQuest (can be accessed from home with a login and password that is available from the library).
Print indexes from 1820-1930. Most years are indexed by township and can be found in the catalog by searching “Census.”
Links that may interest you:
Looking for a Job with the Census Department?
Census takers go from house to house that didn’t send back the form, people are needed to make sure that the count of all Americans is accurate.
How to Identify a REAL U.S. Census Taker
If you don’t send in your form someone will come to your house to ask you the ten questions that need to be answered. In today’s society you want to be careful, here are the points to remember when the census taker comes to call!
Protecting Your Personal Information
Yes, we are all aware of identity theft, but that’s not what the census is about. Federal law protects your identity and the information you give to the Census Bureau.
The Census Multimedia Center
See video presentations from President Obama and other national leaders on the importance of the Census.
Take Ten Map
As the Census forms are returned you can follow the progress on a national map. What percentage of forms for your zip code have been completed? Watch the color coded map! How well will the various Monroe County communities respond? Check back often as the rate of returns changes daily.
Census for Kids
Interesting information for kids and big kids(adults)!
Pop Clock
See the population in the United States or look at the World Pop Clock. Do you know how many people there are in the world?
