1 million young children uncounted in 2010 census; be sure to count correctly this year
An estimated 5% of kids under the age of 5 weren’t counted in the 2010 census. That’s about 1 million young children — the highest of any age group. The Census Bureau hopes to close that gap in the 2020 census, and has provided information about some of the most common situations where young children weren’t counted.
A child lives with young parents or a young, single mom
This year the census should be especially convenient for busy young parents because it can be completed online. Once a household receives the invitation in the mail, the survey can be completed online. This will keep a census worker from having to visit the home to get the response in person.
A child splits time between 2 homes
The census counts everyone where they live and sleep most of the time, even if the living arrangement is temporary or the parents of the child do not live there.
If a child truly spends equal amounts of time between two homes, count them where they stayed on census day, April 1. Coordinate with the other parent or caregiver, if possible, so the child is not counted at both homes.
If it’s not clear where the child lives or sleeps most of the time, count them where they stayed April 1.
A child is a newborn
Babies should be included on the census form, even if they are still in the hospital on April 1. Even a child born on census day should be counted. There are options to respond over the phone, by mail, online or in person, so even new parents should be able to fit it in.
A child lives in a household that is large or multigenerational
Some households include grandparents, other relatives or nonrelated people with no other place to live. Even if it’s just temporary, everyone living at the address on April 1 should be counted.
Remember, it’s not only the homeowner or the person who rents the property. Everyone living there needs to be counted.
A child lives in a household that rents or recently moved
A misconception about the census is that only the homeowner should respond. That’s not true; renters need to respond as well. If someone is planning to move sometime around April 1, they should complete their census forms online or over the phone as soon as possible so they don’t have to worry about paper forms being lost in the mail.
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