QUESTIONS ABOUT THE QUESTIONS

Since the census began, the questions that the survey asks have evolved to match the needs of our nation. That being said, many of us are probably wondering what types of questions are on the census, and why are they being asked?

We know that the census brings our communities many benefits based on the data it collects. It asks questions about who we are and where we live. 

The census asks that we fill out basic information such as name and phone number. These questions help to make sure that everyone is counted once and in the right place. Phone numbers are used to be sure that if the census needs to get in contact with you that they can. It is important to remember that all data shared with the Census Bureau is kept private and will only be used for official business related to the census. 

Other questions about sex, race and age are used to gather useful demographics about the communities we live in. The data gathered from these questions is used to make sure that government policies and programs serve the population in a fair way. This data is also used to monitor anti-discrimination provisions and enforce laws preventing discrimination. 

The census also asks about whether or not you are a renter or homeowner, the relationships of those in each household, and whether or not most nights are spent at each household. These questions are to ensure that everyone is counted once and only once in the right place. All these questions help provide the government with an accurate idea of what our population looks like. 

Each question asked by the census has a specific purpose and plays its own part in how our communities future is shaped.