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 415LR-Zellmer@wiu.edu309-298-2723