United States Census

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What is the Purpose of the United States Census?

It's that time again, once every 10 years a census must be conducted. In 2010, the United States Bureau of the Census will conduct a poll of every household in the United States of America and compile it into a set of federal census records. These census records will contain information about the way the United States demographics is made up. It will contain information about the number of people of certain backgrounds and ethnicity's living in a certain area, income information for people in a certain area, and age and other pertinent information.

The United States Census organizes areas into census tracts, or geographical areas that group together neighborhoods. Different census tracts are grouped together, although the lines are not drawn in any particular way. When it comes time to take the census, a household will receive either a census questionnaire in the mail or a visit from a census taker.

The purpose of the census taker and the questionnaire are one and the same. They are sent to collect vital information from people regarding their household. This information is collected and compiled to create an updated set of demographics. These demographics are used to make determinations concerning the American population and can help the government to decide how federal monies are to be allocated throughout the United States.

Census questions can get a bit personal, but the information is important and people are required to participate. It is vital for your community and your poll counts when it comes to allocating federal monies. Luckily, the United States Census only takes place once every ten years. For the years in between each decade marker projections and estimations are used to update the information that is taken in by the United States Census. Every ten years an official census is taken and these records are updated.

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Sample 2010 Census Form

Census Practice Test

Current Census Data

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