Census Questions
When the time for the United States Census rolls around, people start to get nervous and understandably so. Although Census questions are not designed to classify families individually, they are used to determine how billions of federally mandated dollars will be spread across communities around the United States. While they may seem like it at the time, Census questions are not personal at all, and answers to questions are not used for or against the families answering them in any way.
For those participating in the Census for the first time, it helps to have some idea of what to expect from the Census questions that are asked. The first and most important piece of information requested by the Census taker or mail-in form that you will receive is the first and last names of the people who are renting or paying a mortgage on the home. They also ask their names.
The questionnaire will also inquire as to the number of people who were living in the home during tax season of the previous year, and whether or not foster children, newborns, roommates or temporary guests were staying in the house as well.
Another one of the questions asked on the Census questionnaire that makes many Americans uncomfortable is for the phone number of your household. Rest assured that this is not to pry into your home and family situation, but to clarify when questions are incomplete or otherwise difficult to understand.
Questionnaires also ask about the race, age, and dates of birth of people living in the home as well. It is important to keep in mind that all information, including names and other personal information are kept strictly confidential for Census purposes only.
There is nothing to fear from the Census questions. Americans can rest assured that nobody is out to get them. The questionnaire is designed to get an accurate reading of what kinds of people live in communities across the country and is used in determining their needs.
