The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights

In this report:

Table of Contents

1. Overview
2. The Importance of the Census
3. Census Accuracy: The Undercount (and Overcount)
4. Census 2010: Key Operations and Milestones; How You Can Get Involved
   1. Overview of the census plan
   2. What you need to know
   3. How you can help
5. Additional Information
   1. Frequently asked questions
   2. Facts and figures
   3. Census history

Overview of the Challenges of Achieving an Accurate Count

Up until 1990, the overall accuracy of the census improved with each decennial census. In 1990, however, the trend reversed; the national net undercount, as well as the differential undercount of minorities, increased from the previous census. With a new communications plan that included paid advertising, a partnership program, and increased funding, the 2000 census was a significant improvement over the 1990 census. However, this time the census resulted in a net national overcount of one half of a percent and a Black-White (non-Hispanic) differential undercount of 3.0 percent.

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.

Next Section: Overview of the 2010 census plan