Communications: Census 2010
Peoria County Courthouse, Room 502. Office Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Tel: (309) 672-6918, Fax: (309) 672-6054
Peoria County is partnering with the U. S. Census Bureau to help raise awareness of the 2010 Census. Participating in the census is important because federal funding is distributed to states and communities based on population. In fact, more than $400 billion in federal money is distributed each year based on census population figures. By completing your census questionnaire, you ensure that many of your tax dollars are returned to your community in the form of critical services provided to you and your family. If you are not counted, the community will lose valuable services. These services can range from safety and health programs to parks and transportation facilities.
The census is also important for equal representation. The U.S. Constitution requires a national census once every 10 years to count the population and determine the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives. Census figures are used to determine representation at the local and state levels too. For example, Peoria County's board districts may change after the census because these districts are determined by population so each County Board Member represents approximately the same number of people and each Peoria County resident is equally represented on the County Board.
Additionally, census data is used to determine locations for retail stores, schools, hospitals, new housing developments, and other community facilities. Indeed, Peoria County is using census data to help determine where to build a new Bel-Wood Nursing Home.
The Census - A Snapshot
What: The census is a count of everyone residing in the United States.
Who: All U.S. residents must be counted - citizens and non-citizens alike.
When: You will receive your census questionnaire in March 2010 either by U.S. mail or hand delivery.
Where: You should be counted in the residence in which you live and sleep most of the time. For example, students attending college "away from home" should complete a questionnaire at their college residence.
For more information on where you should be counted, please read the informational brochure.
How: You should complete and mail back your questionnaire upon receipt. Households that do not respond may receive a replacement questionnaire in early April. Census takers will visit households that do not return questionnaires to take a count in person. However, taking counts in person is very time consuming and is costly to tax payers.
The Questionnaire
The 2010 Census questionnaire is only 10 questions and takes about 10 minutes to complete. The questionnaire is one of the shortest and easiest since the nation's first census in 1790. You will be asked to provide important demographic information, including your address, and the names, genders, ages, and races of others living in the household.
Your responses are completely confidential. By law, the Census Bureau cannot share an individual's responses with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities. Census workers can go to jail for revealing personal census information.
To view a sample questionnaire, please click here.
Key Dates
February - March 2010: Census questionnaires are mailed or delivered to households.
March - April 2010: Census questionnaires are available at select public sites for individuals who did not receive one by mail.
April 1, 2010: Census Day
May - July 2010: Census takers visit households that did not return a questionnaire by mail.
December 31, 2010: By law, the Census Bureau delivers population counts to the President.
March 2011: By law, the Census Bureau completes delivery of redistricting data to states.
Census History
The first census was taken in 1790 to determine the number of seats each state would have in the U.S. House of Representatives. The census was also created to gain a better understanding of where people lived and to establish patterns of settlement as the nation grew. The Census Bureau was established in 1902. Today, in addition to administering the census of population and housing, the Census Bureau conducts more than 200 annual surveys. These include the American Community Survey, the Current Population Survey, and economic censuses every five years.