Census 2010: Defining Who We Are as a Nation

Census data are an invaluable and integral part of the economic analysis and forecasting carried out by the Economic and Business Research Center. We hope everyone will do their part to make the 2010 Census a success!

CENSUS HISTORY

The first census took place
in 1790 to determine the number of seats each state would have in the U.S. House of Representatives. The census also was created to gain a better understanding of where people lived and to establish patterns of settlement as the nation grew.

ABOUT THE CENSUS BUREAU

The Census Bureau was established in 1902. Today, in addition to administering the census of population and housing, the Census Bureau conducts more than 200 annual surveys, including the American Community Survey, the Current Population Survey and economic censuses every five years.

Preveiw Census Form

Census 2010 FAQs

Visit Census website

 

 

EBR helps you learn to use Census Data:

 

 

Data Requests
ebrlib@eller.arizona.edu
520.621.2155 ofc
520.621.2150 fax

Data Reference, State Data Center and Library
Valorie Rice
Reference Librarian
vrice@eller.arizona.edu
520.621.2109

EBR Database Online
Lora Mwaniki-Lyman
Research Economist
loramwa@eller.arizona.edu
520.621.6439

 

 

Library & SDC Hours
9-12 and 1-5, M - F
McClelland Hall, Rm 103
1130 E. Helen St.
The University of Arizona Campus
Tucson, AZ 85721

If you wish to visit the Library or SDC, it is a good idea to call ahead or send e-mail. The collection is non-circulating.
 
 

A Complete Count: The Importance of Census Data

• Every year, the federal government allocates more than $400 billion to states and communities based, in part, on census data.
• Census data are used to determine locations for retail stores, schools, hospitals, new housing developments and other community facilities.
• Census data determine boundaries for state and local legislative and congressional districts.

View current Census 2010 participation rates

10 questions, 10 minutes

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.

Census 2010 FAQs

2010 Census Questionnaire: Easy, Important and Safe

• With only 10 questions, the 2010 Census questionnaire takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. Households are asked to provide key demographic information, including: whether a housing unit is rented or owned; the address of the residence; and the names, genders, ages and races of others living in the household.
• By law, the Census Bureau cannot share an individual’s responses with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities.
  

Using Census and other public data

Economic and Business Research Center staff can help you learn to locate and use Census and other public data. They will provide consultation regarding these data products and concepts via e-mail, telephone or personal visit.

For further information, please contact us.