The census is more than just a head count. It is used to help allocate more than $400 billion in federal funds as well as re-apportion seats in the U. S. House of Representatives.

This means that Otter Tail County could lose about $1,300 each year for every person not counted. And, it is estimated that an undercount of only 1,100 people could result in losing a Congressional seat. Losing a seat could mean less focus on important priorities in Minnesota and Otter Tail County.

Every man, woman and child who lives in Otter Tail County needs to be counted, even if they are not yet a citizen and English is not their native language. Residents who temporarily leave the state during winter months also need to be counted.

It only takes 10 minutes to answer the 10 questions.

Why is the Census Important to Minnesota?

On April 1, 2010, the U.S. Census Bureau will count every resident in the United States. Why?

Numbers mean money. For every 100 Minnesotans who fail to answer the Census, the state will lose $1 million in federal funds over the next 10 years. The federal government gives out approximately $300 billion each year based on the Census count, while the state distributes many of its program funds based on population counts. Counties, cities and townships where residents fail to answer the Census will lose additional state dollars.

Numbers mean power. The Census count is the basis for determining the number of each state's Congressional representatives. Minnesota
currently has eight representatives in the U.S. Congress; however, the state could lose one seat after 2010 because of population changes.
Completing and returning the Census questionnaire will help ensure Minnesotans' interests are fully represented in Congress.

Numbers mean information. Businesses, governments, schools and non-profit agencies use Census data for planning programs, land use,
businesses and services. Census data tell us who our customers are, where our students will live and what our greatest needs will be.

For more information, go to mn2010census.org

2010 Questionnaire Information
Fact Sheet