Getting an Accurate Count
Counting every person residing in the United States is a difficult endeavor and despite the Census Bureau's best efforts, some households are missed by the count; some households are counted more than once; and still others respond with incorrect information.
However, because the accuracy of the census directly affects our nation's ability to ensure equal representation and equal access to important governmental resources for all Americans, ensuring a fair and accurate census must be regarded as one of the most significant civil rights issues facing the country today.
The 2010 census will be faced with new challenges to stakeholders, including a larger, more diverse, and more mobile population; the displacement of thousands by natural (Hurricanes Katrina and Rita) and human-made (foreclosures) disasters; increased concerns about privacy and confidentiality in a post 9/11 environment; the potential chilling effect of anti-immigrant policies; and, most recently, a severe economic recession.
In addition, the Census Bureau has a number of significant internal challenges, from funding shortfalls, to unfilled leadership positions, to the failure of major information technology systems.
Learn More
- Identifying Areas at Risk for Undercounting
- Reasons Behind Inaccuracies in the Census
- The Accuracy of the 2000 Census
Resources
- Making the Count Right - Audio and transcript from a 3/24/09 LCCREF conference call
- Census 2010 Education Kit - Designed to educate the nation about the importance of a fair and accurate census
- Search GAO Reports on Census 2010
