What Are the Benefits of the U.S. Census?

Info compiled from the U.S. census is used to benefit citizens.

The U.S. Census Bureau serves as the leading source of quality data about the nation's people and economy, according to its mission statement. The first U.S. census was taken in 1790. Since then, all the information compiled is used in dozens of ways that benefit every U.S. citizen.

Census Information

To meet its goal of being the leading source of data about our nation and its people, the Census Bureau takes several censuses, including the population and housing census every 10 years and the economic census every five years.

Representation

Once the population dynamics are known for regions and states, this information is used to adjust government representation of the citizens. It is used to determine the number of seats in the House of Representatives, and draw legislative district and school district boundaries.

Community Programs

The census takes an accounting of the economics, homeless population, the elderly population, school-age population and the growth of a region. This allows the federal government to distribute billions of dollars in funds for community programs, such as job training, or homeless programs that are needed in each region.

Genealogy Information

With each census a record has been kept of every respondent's name, age at the time and where a person was born. This has created a wealth of information that can be used by anyone researching their family's ancestry as far back as the 1700s.

Historical Documentation

The census' collection of information records the changes the United States has gone through since 1790. The information on the economy, movement of population and industry changes illustrate "the changing values and interests of the American people" and is a significant source of historical information.

References

• U.S. Census Bureau