Census Forms in the Mail!
The U.S. Census Bureau began sending the forms to over 130 million addresses across the nation this week. Mandated by the U.S. Constitution and performed every 10 years, the census counts every man, woman, and child. “Accurate census data is needed to determine how more than $400 billion in federal funding each year is distributed to local governments for new hospitals, building roads, improving schools, and expanding public transportation,” said Cynthia King, a partnership specialist with the U.S. Census Bureau.
Every person living in your home should be counted when filling out the form. “There are only 10 questions and it should take you no longer than 10 minutes to fill it out; it is one of the shortest census forms in history. Census form answers are safe and confidential,” added King. By law, the Census Bureau cannot share respondent’s answers with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities.
Clermont County will be updating information about local mail participation rates in the news media and on the Clermont Counts Web site www.2010.clermontcountyohio.gov. “During the 2000 Census, the national participation rate was 67 percent. In Ohio, the rate was 72 percent; in Clermont County it was 74 percent,” said King. “The lowest rates of return in Clermont County were for communities along the Ohio River. I know we can improve on that this time around.”
Households should complete and mail back the census questionnaire 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; all workers will carry identification and will not ask you for your social security number or other personal information.
What is the U.S. Census?
“Census” means a count of the population. Based on the previous U.S. Census, Clermont County’s population stood at 195,385. In Clermont County, the population increased a whopping 28.8 percent between 1990 and 2007; overall, Ohio's population grew 5.4 percent.
The United States Constitution requires that the number of people living in the United States be counted every 10 years. All United States residents must be counted; this includes both citizens and non-citizens.
Why is the Census important to Clermont County?
The U.S. Census determines the distribution of more than $400 billion annually to state and local government to fund critical community services. It generates thousands of jobs across the country.
Census data guides planning for new hospitals, roads, job training centers, schools, and more. The data is used to create public policy concerning land use, housing, transportation, economic and workforce development, education, public safety, emergency preparedeness, and health care.
The Census is utilized to draw federal, state, and local legislation districts. The statistics are used to attract new businesses, forecast future transportation needs, plan for hospitals, draw school district boundaries, and design public safety strategies. It is also utilized to determine the need for additional social services, block grants, and other grant programs essential to many communities. The data that is collected justifies the need for after school programs and the designation of urban revitalization areas.
When will the Census be completed?
By law, the U.S. Census Bureau must submit state population counts to President Obama by December 31, 2010 to kick-off the process of deciding what Congressional district you live in, and ultimately, who will represent you.