What is the U.S. Census?
As mandated by the U.S. Constitution, the U.S. Census Bureau conducts an official count of every resident in the United States. It is mandated by Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution.
- A questionnaire (like a survey)
- Consists of nine questions
- Counts every adult and child living in the U.S.
- Occurs every 10 years
- 2020 Census starts in early March
- Determines the amount of money each state and city receives from the federal government for programs
- Determines the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives (a process called apportionment)
Census results impact policy and funding levels for years in cities and states. For every adult and every child that is not counted in the census, the state of Missouri will lose $1,300 in federal dollars every year. This money could go into roads and bridges, hospitals and schools.
The Census Bureau has reached out to municipalities throughout the country to help disseminate information about the Census to encourage residents to complete the Census.