Other Census Issues

Key Facts & Trends

  • The 2010 Census will make major changes in the way that the decennial census has historically been conducted. Most importantly, the ‘long form’ has been eliminated. Since 1940, the Census has consisted of a short form, which goes to the great majority of households, and a long form which went to fewer homes, but asked more detailed questions. 
     
    In 2000, the short form included just seven questions -- the name, sex, age, race, and relationship of household members, whether they are of Hispanic origin, and whether the home is owned or rented.  In 2000, the long form—which went to 1 in 6 homes--covered the same six topics as the short form along with 27 others such as marital status, place of work and journey to work, education, disability, veteran's status, and income.
  • The ‘long form’ has been replaced by the annual American Community Survey (ACS), which produces updated yearly estimates for all communities, eliminating the need for a traditional long form in the 2010 census and beyond. 250,000 households nationwide receive the ACS questionnaire each month. 
    In 2010, the Census enumerators who go door-to-door to survey individuals who have not responded to the mail survey will be using GPS technology to update and make more accurate Census data.
  • In 2010, the Census enumerators will be using hand-held computers for the first time. The computers will enable enumerators to file more timely and accurate reports.
     
    In preparation for the 2010 Census, the U.S. Bureau of the Census is enhancing procedures for building its address list, known as the Master Address File (MAF) and its Geographic Encoding and Referencing (TIGER) database.
  • While improvements in the 2010 Census are planned, much depends on the level of Congressional funding that is approved for fiscal years 2008-10. 

Policy Implications

  • The accuracy of the decennial census and the household data collected by the annual American Community Survey depends on adequate Congressional funding. Funding delays and/or inadequate funding levels of FY2008 could jeopardize the success of the 2010 Census. Many of the anticipated improvements—including the use of GPS technology and handheld computers—could be at risk if funding is reduced.
  • In addition, if funding for Partnership Program is delayed or cut as a result of Congressional budget cuts it will be more difficult to maintain the reduction in the undercount that was achieved by the 2000 Census.