2010 Census
Didn't fill out a 2010 Census form? It's not too late to be counted!
Census Takers Hit the Streets in Santa Barbara County visiting Households That Have Not Returned Their Census Questionnaires.
Census Day has passed, and about 635,000 Census takers across the nation will go door-to-door through July 10, to obtain Census responses in-person from 48 million households that either didn't mail back their Census Questionnaire or didn't receive one.
In Santa Barbara County, 72% of households returned their 2010 Census Questionnaire in the mail. On May 1, the U.S. Census Bureau began sending out Census takers throughout the County to obtain in-person Census information from households that have not been counted. This activity is referred to as Non Response Follow-Up and represents one of the largest operations of the Census Bureau.
Who Will Be Contacted?
Households that either didn't mail back their Census Questionnaire or that didn't receive a form by mail, including those that pick up their mail from post office boxes, will be visited by Census takers. You may be contacted by a Census taker even if you returned your Census Questionnaire. If this happens you are asked to provide your information when a Census taker arrives.
How Many Attempts Will Be Made to Contact Households?
In most cases, Census takers will make up to three phone calls to schedule a Census interview, followed by up to three personal visits to conduct an in-person Census interview.
Who are Census Takers?
The Census Bureau has hired part-time, temporary Census takers from the community to obtain Census responses. Stringent systems are in place to ensure that people can feel safe when they open their door to a Census taker. All Census takers undergo an FBI background check, have taken an oath for life to protect the information they collect, and are subject to fines, jail time or both for disclosure of personal information.
How Can I Identify a Census Taker?
Only Census takers will conduct official Census activities. They will carry a black shoulder bag with the Department of Commerce logo and have a Census badge and confidentiality information leaflet.
Census takers should never ask: To enter a home; for a social security number, signature, financial information, driver’s license, donations, or immigration status. Community members are urged to contact the Santa Maria Census Office at (805) 345-3630 if they are unsure about the legitimacy of a Census taker.
Want to Provide Your Census Information Over the Phone?
The Census Bureau has a telephone help line where you can call-in your Census information through July 30; English - 1-866-872-6868; Spanish: 1-866-928-2010; TDD (hearing impaired): 1-866-783-2010.
For more information, contact Susan Curtis, County of Santa Barbara Long Range Planning Division
at (805) 568-3573 (scurtis@co.santa-barbara.ca.us) or visit www.countyofsb.org/2010census
Call a Questionnaire Assistance Telephone Line to get Census information or to provide your Census answers over the phone (New)
The 2010 Census is here! The US Census is a count of everyone living in the United States every 10 years and is mandated by the U.S. Constitution.
It's important. Census data are used to distribute Congressional seats to states, to make decisions about what community services to provide, and to distribute $400 billion in federal funds to local, state and tribal governments each year.
It's easy. The 2010 Census asks just 10 questions takes less than 10 minutes to complete. If you did not fill out a Census questionnaire in March or April, look for a Census taker to come to your neighborhood in the near future. We encourage residents to welcome and cooperate with Census takers to ensure that Santa Barbara County has a complete Census count.
It's confidential. Federal law protects the personal information you share during the census. Census data is strictly confidential--not even the President of the United States can access individual responses!
It's required by law. A decennial census is mandated by the U.S. Constitution, and participation in the census is required. It's quick and easy, though; help make a difference in your community by spreading the word about the 2010 Census!
What is the Census? (Información en español)
Santa Barbara County PSA Press Release (03/08/10)
Key Dates
UPCOMING CENSUS EVENTS
Key 2010 Census Websites
Census Outreach Materials
Census Job Information
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Press & Media
Complete Count Committees
Count Me I.V.
Census In Schools
SBCTV Census Special on YouTube (English / Spanish)
Questions? Need more information?
Email us: censusinfo@co.santa-barbara.ca.us