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]