Have You Received the Census Mailing? Short Form vs. Long Form?

3/12/20 The Postal Service has begun delivering the Census 2020 documents to Whitewater area residences. Be on the lookout for the envelope. By responding timely, online if possible, you will eliminate the need for another mailing or for personal contact by a census worker. A full count is essential to ensure that our area receives its share of federal and state benefits and representation.

About 83% of households will receive the Short Form. What Is Asked on the Short Form? The short form asks about six population subjects and one housing subject and takes 10 minutes to complete, on average. What is asked on the short form?

  • Housing (including whether the home is owned or rented)
  • Names
  • Sex
  • Relationships
  • Hispanic origin
  • Race (including ancestry such as German, Polish, Vietnamese, African American, Jamaican, etc.)

What Is Asked on the Long Form? The long form asks about the same subjects as the short form plus 27 more, for a total of 34 subjects. The average household can complete this form in approximately 38 minutes.

  • Marital status
  • Units in structure, number of bedrooms, plumbing and kitchen facilities, year structure built, heating fuel
  • Year moved into residence. Residence five years ago.
  • Place of birth, citizenship and year of entry
  • Educational attainment
  • Language spoken at home
  • Telephone
  • Vehicles available
  • Veteran status
  • Disability
  • Farm residence
  • Grandparents as caregivers
  • Value of home
  • Labor force status
  • Monthly rent
  • Place of work and journey to work, industry, occupation, class of worker
  • Work status last year
  • Shelter costs
  • Income (previous year

The Law Protects Your Answers. By law, the Census Bureau cannot share your answers with others, including welfare agencies, the Immigration and Naturalization Service, the Internal Revenue Service, courts, police and the military. Anyone who breaks this law can receive up to five years in prison and $5,000 in fines. The law works — millions of questionnaires were processed during the 1990s without any breach of trust.

Share This
Posted in

Other Recent Posts

First Confirmed West Nile Virus Activity in WI: Protect against mosquito bites

Celebration of Life Service for Marion J. Burrows

Acclaimed Foreign Film at Seniors in the Park: Wednesday, 1 p.m.

New Rule Allows Qualified RNs to Teach Clinical Courses to Address Workforce Shortage

The Arts Alliance Presents a Savory Sounds Concert on Thurs.: Piper Road Spring Band

Our Readers Share: Ron Binning – Waters Edge South home construction progressing rapidly

Rock County Sheriff’s Office Announces Hunter Safety Education Course

UW-Madison Announces Local Spring Grads and Students on the Honor Rolls

Marcy & the Highlights at Cravath Lakefront Park – Tuesday

A Third Place for Coffee on the West Side? Seven Brew considering the former BicycleWise site

Whitewater Arts Alliance “250 for 250 Campaign”

Severe Storm Potential Monday Night: All hazards possible

Janesville Orthopedic Surgeon honored with Being Exceptional Every Day (BEE) award

Walworth County Announces “Walworth County Salutes America 250” Celebration at 2026 Walworth County Fair

This Week’s City & School Board Meetings