The 2010 Census: Vital to Our Community’s Future

In March 2010, more than 130 million addresses across the nation will receive a census questionnaire. One of the shortest census forms in history, the 2010 Census questionnaire asks 10 questions and takes about 10 minutes to complete. Completing your census questionnaire is easy, important and safe, and everyone’s participation is essential to ensuring a brighter tomorrow for our community. 

Required once every 10 years by the U.S. Constitution, the census will count every person living in the United States, both citizens and noncitizens. Census data are used to reapportion the U.S. House of Representatives, re-district each state and determine the distribution of the Electoral College. Census data also directly affect how more than $400 billion per year in federal funding is distributed to state, local and tribal governments. Census data is also critical in determining locations for new hospitals, improving schools, building new roads, expanding public transportation options and creating new maps for emergency responders.

For every person not counted in Las Animas County during the 2000 Census, more than $800 has been lost annually in federal funding to the community. Only 52% of the households in Las Animas County completed and returned the Census questionnaire in 2000. 

By participating in the census, you can help create a better future for you, for those important to you, and for our community. Complete and return your form when it arrives. To learn more, visit 2010census.gov.

It’s In Our Hands!