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In September 2005, about one in every 13 households in Maricopa County will receive a short survey from the U.S. Census Bureau that they will be asked to fill out and return. The survey will provide an accurate count of people in each city, town, and unincorporated area of the county. These updated population numbers will be used to determine how much state money each community receives over the next five years. Below are answers to just a few of the frequently asked questions about the 2005 Census Survey. Click here to download a printable PDF version.
- Why is the 2005 Census Survey important to me?
- Why is it important to fill out the survey?
- Who will get a survey?
- How long will it take to fill out the survey?
- Who is conducting the 2005 Census Survey?
- How safe and confidential is the census information I provide?
- What is the difference between a survey and a full count?
- How accurate is the survey compared to a full count?
- What can I do?
- How can I get census materials to distribute to others?
- What happens if I don’t participate in the survey?
- Are job opportunities available?
- When will the survey be conducted?
- How can I learn more?
- I've lost my Census Questionnaire. What do I do?
1. Why is the 2005 Census Survey important to me?
By answering your Census Survey, you are ensuring that your community receives its fair share of allocated money that helps pay for services such as police and fire protection, parks, libraries, recreation facilities, senior centers, road improvements, hospitals and schools.
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2. Why is it important to fill out the survey?
When the state of Arizona collects money through taxes and other sources, it returns nearly $1 billion per year to cities and towns. The amount of money each city, town, or unincorporated area receives is based on its population. That is why your community needs the most accurate count possible.
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3. Who will get a survey?
It is important to note that it is your address, not you personally, that may be chosen as part of a scientifically-determined sample. If your address is selected, you will receive a letter in the mail from U.S. Census Bureau Director Charles Kincannon notifying you that the survey is on its way. If your household is chosen, it will represent many others in your community.
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4. How long will it take to fill out the survey?
The survey is a short, easy-to-fill out form with fewer than 10 questions. It is expected to take about six minutes to complete.
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5. Who is conducting the 2005 Census Survey?
The U.S. Census Bureau is conducting the 2005 Census Survey through the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) at the request of the Valley’s cities and towns, which need updated information in order to receive appropriate state funding. The results will update the 2000 Census numbers for cities and towns in Maricopa County.
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6. How safe and confidential is the census information I provide?
The information you provide to the 2005 Census Survey is entirely safe and confidential.
Consider that:
- By federal law, the U.S. Census Bureau cannot share your responses with others, including welfare agencies, immigration authorities, Internal Revenue Service, courts, police and other law entities.
- In fact, it is illegal for these agencies to obtain confidential information from the census.
- Confidentiality is essential to the success and integrity of the census process.
- The U.S. Census Bureau has a long-standing position, without exception, to hold each person’s answers confidential.
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7. What is the difference between a survey and a full count?
A full count attempts to individually count every resident in Maricopa County. A survey takes a representative sample of all the housing units in an area, and from that sample uses statistical methods to estimate the population. The primary reason for conducting a survey instead of a full count is cost. The estimated cost of conducting a full count is about $31 million, while the cost of conducting the survey is about $7.5 million.
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8. How accurate is the survey compared to a full count?
Both methods are considered accurate means of determining an area’s population. Surveys are subject to sampling error. The sample size for the survey within Maricopa County has been chosen so that the estimated population is within two percent of the actual population 95 percent of the time, or 19 times out of 20.
Full counts are also subject to error, because of persons missed or counted more than once. Based on past Census Bureau statistics, counts have been within one to two percent of the actual count.
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9. What can I do?
Look for your letter from the Census Bureau in late August. Fill out the questionnaire and send it back right away. Make sure everyone living in your household is counted, including children, live-in relatives, or any other occupants, regardless of citizenship status. If you are living in the community, then you are using public services and the community should receive its fair share of funds based on actual numbers living here.
Do you belong to any organizations, clubs, churches, or neighborhood groups? You can help spread the word about the 2005 Census Survey. We will be happy to provide you with the materials you need to help inform your group about the upcoming survey.
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10. How can I get census materials to distribute to others?
Free census materials, such as posters, fliers, and other materials are available on this Web site under Downloads. If you would like a census representative to conduct a presentation or provide free materials to your organization, please e-mail a request to census@mag.maricopa.gov.
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11. What happens if I don’t participate in the survey?
The 2005 Census Survey is voluntary and there are no penalties for not answering a question; however, lack of a response can have serious effects on the state funding your community receives.
Remember, because this is a survey and not a full count, you are representing many others in your neighborhood. The survey provides you a unique opportunity to help your community.
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12. Are job opportunities available?
No job opportunities are available at this time.
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13. When will the survey be conducted?
The Census Survey will be mailed to Maricopa County residents on August 30, 2005. Those receiving the survey will be asked about the number of people living there on September 1, 2005. On September 30, a second mailing will be sent to residents who did not respond to the first survey mailing. In October, those who don’t respond by mail will be called and asked to provide responses over the telephone. If there is still no response, a personal visit to those households will be conducted.
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14. How can I learn more?
Browse our Web site for information and answers to questions you may have about the 2005 Census Survey. You can also e-mail your question to census@mag.maricopa.gov.
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15. I've lost my Census Questionnaire. What do I do?
A second 2005 Census Survey will be mailed to your address shortly. Please complete that survey and mail it back in the postage paid envelope. You cannot download a copy of the survey from the Web site but you can get other valuable information here.
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