United States Census facts for kids
The United States Census is a big count of all the people living in the United States. It also counts all the homes. This important count happens every ten years. The U.S. Constitution says it must be done. It has happened in years ending with "0" since 1790.
The Census actually counts two things at the same time. First, it counts the population, which means all the people. This has been done since 1790. Second, it counts housing units, which are all the places where people live. This part started in 1940.
The count helps decide many things. For example, it shows how many representatives each state gets in the House of Representatives. It also helps decide how much government money goes to different places.
The United States Census Bureau is the group in charge of the U.S. Census. The very first census happened in 1790. This was after the American Revolution. Thomas Jefferson, who was the Secretary of State then, was in charge of that first count.
Contents
What is the US Census?
The United States Census is like a big survey. It counts every person and every home in the country. This count is very important for how the government works. It helps leaders understand who lives where.
This special count happens once every ten years. The word for this is "decennial." So, you can expect a new census in 2020, 2030, and so on. It's a huge effort to make sure everyone is counted.
Why is the Census Important?
The census helps make sure states have fair representation. The number of people in a state decides how many seats it gets in the House of Representatives. More people usually means more representatives.
It also helps decide where money goes. The government uses census numbers to give money to states and cities. This money helps pay for schools, hospitals, roads, and other important services. It makes sure communities get the resources they need.
Who is in Charge of the Census?
The United States Census Bureau is the group that does the census. They are part of the U.S. government. Their job is to collect all the information. They make sure the count is accurate and fair.
The very first census happened a long time ago. It was in 1790. This was just after the United States became its own country. Thomas Jefferson was a very important person then. He was in charge of that first count.
Images for kids
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A woman with a Hollerith pantograph punch, used for the 1940 US Census
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Census outreach flyers at Sure We Can in Brooklyn, 2020
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Census marketing logo in Minnesota
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US Census Bureau Population Regions
See also
In Spanish: Censo de los Estados Unidos para niños
