The census is a snapshot of your community that defines the challenges and opportunities ahead for your nonprofits and the people you serve and engage. 

Every person counted — or not counted — in a community impacts ten years of federal funds, political representation, public infrastructure, and private investment.

Funding

Data derived from the census helps determine the amount of funding that states, communities, and nonprofits rely on, such as:

• Medicaid and maternal and child health programs
• Transit programs
• Public housing assistance
• Community Development Block Grants
• Head Start
• Title I Education funds and grants for special and vocational education

Political Representation

Census numbers are used to determine political boundaries, including:

• 435 Congressional Districts
• 1,971 State Senate districts
• 5,411 State House districts

Public Infrastructure

Governments use census numbers to determine locations for vital public works such as:

• Schools
• Health Centers
• Public Transportation and Highways
• Affordable Housing

Private Investment

Businesses large and small use census numbers to:

• Identify new markets
• Select sites for operations
• Make investment decisions
• Determine the goods and services offered