2010 Census

Beginning in May, census workers will begin going door-to-door to roughly 1/4 of households that did not mail back their 2010 census form. The census taker will ONLY ask the questions that appear on the census form. If no one answers at a particular residence, a census taker will visit that home up to three times, each time leaving a door hanger featuring a Census Bureau phone number. They also will verify that housing units indicated as "unoccupied" by the postal service are indeed vacant. All census workers will carry official government badges with the Department of Commerce seal and their name. They may also have a "U.S. Census Bureau" bag. The census taker will never ask to enter a home. To learn more about census takers, please visit www.2010.census.gov.

The 2010 Census will document the changes in our nation since the last decennial census in 2000, and tell us how we’ve evolved as a country. Because census data affect how more than $400 billion in federal funding is distributed to tribal, state and local governments, the census also will help frame the future of our country and our community for the next 10 years. Here’s what you should know about the 2010 Census:

It’s Easy

One of the shortest census forms in history, the 2010 Census form asks 10 questions and takes about 10 minutes to complete. The individual in whose name the housing unit is rented or owned should complete the form on behalf of every person living there, both relatives and non-relatives.

It’s Important

Census data are used to reapportion seats in Congress and ensure proper district representation in state and local governments. Information from the census helps determine locations for child-care and senior centers, new roads, hospitals, schools and community centers.

It’s Safe

By law, the U.S. Census Bureau cannot share respondents’ answers with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities. All Census Bureau employees take an oath of nondisclosure and are sworn for life to protect the confidentiality of the data. The penalty for unlawful disclosure is a fine of up to $250,000 or imprisonment of up to five years, or both.

Mail it Back!

The most efficient way to respond to the 2010 Census is to complete the form as soon as it arrives and return it in the postage-paid return envelope. Census workers will visit households that do not return forms to take the count in person.

Some 76% percent of North Richland Hills households participated in the 2000 Census. We are challenging all North Richland Hills households to complete and mail back their 2010 Census form in an effort to eclipse our 2000 participation rate. A complete and accurate count of the people in our community will help ensure that we receive our fair share of federal dollars and representation in government. Mailing back your Census form ensures an accurate count and also lowers the cost of the 2010 Census by reducing the number of census workers who must go door-to-door to collect census data. Nationally, about $85 million is saved for every one percent increase in mail participation.

If you have questions about the 2010 Census form, call the Questionnaire Assistance Center at 1-866-872-6868. (If you prefer a Spanish-speaking operator, then dial 1-866-928-2010.) The lines will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week from through July 30, 2010. For the hearing-impaired, dial 1-866-783-2010.

It is not necessary to wait until April 1, 2010, to return your form. Forms should be completed and mailed back as soon as possible. From March 22 through May 3, 2010, daily mail participation rate maps will be available at www.2010census.gov. The last mail participation update and the community with the highest participation rate will be announced on May 3, 2010. Useful Links U.S. Census Census Jobs Census in Schools

Useful Links

U.S. Census
Census Jobs
Census in Schools

Help spread the word?

If you or your organization would like to be involved in spreading the word about the 2010 Census and the importance of completing the questionnaire, please contact Mary Peters at mpeters@nrhtx.com.