2010 United States census

2010 United States census

The 2010 United States census was the 23rd time the United States counted how many people lived there. It happened on April 1, 2010. People filled out forms by mail. Workers went to some neighborhoods to visit people who did not send in their forms. Over 600,000 temporary workers helped with this job.

The census found that 308,745,538 people lived in the United States. This was about 9.7% more than the count from the 2000 United States census. Every state had more than 500,000 people. The 100 biggest cities each had more than 200,000 people.

For the first time since 1930, California did not have the most new people moving in. Texas had even more growth. Texas had about 4.3 million more people than California’s 3.4 million increase. This showed how the country was changing and growing in new places.

Introduction

As required by the United States Constitution, the U.S. Census happens every 10 years. It has been done since 1790. The 2000 U.S. census was the one before this.

On January 25, 2010, the Census Bureau Director Robert Groves began the 2010 census. He counted World War II veteran Clifton Jackson, who lived in Noorvik, Alaska. More than 120 million census forms were sent to homes starting in March 2010. Most people mailed back their forms. From April to July 2010, census workers went to homes that did not return a form. In December 2010, the U.S. Census Bureau shared population data with the U.S. president for apportionment. Later in March 2011, they gave complete data to states for redistricting.

Major changes

The 2010 United States census was simpler than past censuses. Everyone got a short form with ten basic questions. The questions were about the people living in the home, their relationships, ages, sexes, races, and whether they lived somewhere else sometimes.

The census did not offer an Internet response option or downloadable forms. Detailed socioeconomic information is now collected through the American Community Survey. The census also counted same-sex married couples for the first time. Census forms were available in five languages besides English: Spanish, Chinese (simplified), Korean, Vietnamese, and Russian.

Cost

The 2010 United States census cost $13 billion, or about $42 for each person in the country. This was more than in other countries like China, where it cost about $1 per person. The actual spending was $5.4 billion, less than the $7 billion that was planned.

Because many people mailed back their forms, the census saved money in several ways. It saved $650 million by not needing as many door-to-door visits. It also saved $150 million in some areas like Alaska. An extra $800 million set aside for emergencies was not needed. Good planning and advertising helped more people respond, which saved money.

Technology

In 2005, Lockheed Martin got a big job to help collect data for the census. They used new tools, like special scanners from IBML, to handle information fast.

For the first time, the census used small handheld devices with GPS to find addresses. The Census Bureau also looked at how people used cell phones and social media to reach those who hadn’t answered yet. This helped them learn why some people didn’t join and how to ask them to participate.

Marketing and undercounts

To make sure everyone was counted in the 2010 United States census, the Census Bureau worked with many groups like churches and charities. They told people why it was important for everyone to be counted. Famous people such as Demi Lovato, Eva Longoria, Wilmer Valderrama, Rosario Dawson, and rapper Ludacris helped tell people about it. They talked to younger people and groups that usually don’t join in as much.

The Census Bureau also did big advertising campaigns. They even sponsored NASCAR races and a Super Bowl ad. They did this to reach people who might not want to fill out their forms. They wanted to count all Americans, including political conservatives, accurately.

Reapportionment

The 2010 census decided how many seats each state would have in the United States House of Representatives starting with the 2012 elections. This also changed the number of votes each state had in the Electoral College for the 2012 presidential election.

People moved to different places, so eighteen states had changes in the number of seats they had. Eight states gained seats, and ten states lost seats. In total, 12 seats moved between states.

Controversies

Some people had concerns about the 2010 United States census. Two senators wanted to add questions about immigration status to the form. Others felt that counting people in prisons as residents of those places changed the results and affected resources for minority communities.

The word "Negro" was included as an option for describing race, which some found offensive. The Census Bureau later decided to stop using this term. Cities like Detroit and New York City also challenged the census results, saying the numbers did not match what they saw in their communities.

State rankings

See also: List of U.S. states and territories by population

During the 2010 United States census, Nevada grew the most, while Texas added the most people. Michigan, which was the 8th most populous state, was the only state to lose people. Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory, also lost people. The District of Columbia grew for the first time since the 1950s. The census counted only people living in the United States, not those living overseas.

Metropolitan rankings

See also: List of metropolitan statistical areas

These rankings show how big different city areas were during the 2010 United States census. You can find the full list and more details at metropolitan statistics.

City rankings

See also: List of United States cities by population

The 2010 United States census counted how many people lived in cities across the country. It showed which cities had the most people. This helped everyone know where many Americans lived at that time. The information is important for planning and giving services to communities.

Locations of 50 most populous cities

The 2010 United States census found the 50 biggest cities in the country. These cities are some of the largest and most important places to live in the United States.

The list includes big cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and Philadelphia. Other cities on the list are Phoenix, San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas, and San Jose. More cities include Jacksonville, Indianapolis, San Francisco, Austin, and Columbus. The list also has Fort Worth, Charlotte, Detroit, El Paso, Memphis, Baltimore, Boston, Seattle, Washington, Nashville, Denver, Louisville, Milwaukee, Portland, Las Vegas, Oklahoma City, Albuquerque, Tucson, Fresno, Sacramento, Long Beach, Kansas City, Mesa, Virginia Beach, Atlanta, Colorado Springs, Omaha, Raleigh, Miami, Cleveland, San Juan, Tulsa, Oakland, Minneapolis, and Wichita.