I got my long anticipated and publicized 2010 census today. It seems tame enough. But I have one question. On question 3 - Do you own the home, they want you to qualify the answer as to do you have a mortgage or loan or do you own the home free and clear. Why would they care? What business is that of theirs?

Hi Z,
U.S. Census Bureau website gives this explanation for Question 3:

"Asked since 1890. Homeownership rates serve as an indicator of the nation's economy. The data are also used to administer housing programs and to inform planning decisions."

For explanation for all the questions:
http://2010.census.gov/2010census/text/text-form.php

I read that and I understand home ownership vs renting, etc. I just don't know why they need to know if I have a mortgage or own the home out right. Apparently the info did not help during the meltdown. Maybe if they asked if I could afford the mortgage or if I had an ARM so they could have been prepared if might mean something.

I don't remember having to answer that question that defined the past time. I thought it was own, rent, or just live there.

It does not really matter. I have filled out the form and will mail it later this week.

I am just curious.

Since we own our home up North and our Home here in TV will we get two census forms? No mortgage on either but we do carry a line of credit on the up North home, should we tell them that, and what does any of this have to do with a population count?
Spend a bit more time up North right now and our legal residence is still up North so I am assuming we should just fill out that form. Inquiring minds want to know.

Good question.

Pturner posted a site that explains the census questions.

For explanation for all the questions:
http://2010.census.gov/2010census/text/text-form.php

Two of the questions deal with this.

How many people were living or staying in this house, apartment, or mobile home on April 1, 2010?

I guess if you were up north instead of down here the north question would have numbers and the TV census would be zero

and

Does Person 1 sometimes live or stay somewhere else?

You would answer yes and check seasonal residence.

Or call the 1-800 number and ask them.

Originally Posted by OpusX1

Since we own our home up North and our Home here in TV will we get two census forms? No mortgage on either but we do carry a line of credit on the up North home, should we tell them that, and what does any of this have to do with a population count?
Spend a bit more time up North right now and our legal residence is still up North so I am assuming we should just fill out that form. Inquiring minds want to know.

The forms are sent to the address....not the person. Only fill out one and that should be for your primary residence. Population numbers determine how many seats are allotted for state and federal positions, school funding, roads, etc.

Notice, too, that on the back of the instruction sheet it states that individual Census information is only available after 72 years. This is true so don't let the media tell you any different. The information (names, etc.) on the 1930 Census was just released in 2002. I taught Census classes for the 2000 Census and it could not be stressed enough how confidential the information is. Shortly after we were done, a blurb came up on my computer that said, "Do you want to know what your neighbor makes or do you want to know what your boss makes, according to the latest Census?" When I clicked on it, the instructions were to type in your zip code, so I did. What I got back was the Median Income for any zip code I typed in. Sure told a lot, didn't it? That information, along with housing costs, would probably be helpful for someone seeking to relocate from another section of the country.

Originally Posted by dillywho

The forms are sent to the address....not the person. Only fill out one and that should be for your primary residence. Population numbers determine how many seats are allotted for state and federal positions, school funding, roads, etc.

Notice, too, that on the back of the instruction sheet it states that individual Census information is only available after 72 years. This is true so don't let the media tell you any different. The information (names, etc.) on the 1930 Census was just released in 2002. I taught Census classes for the 2000 Census and it could not be stressed enough how confidential the information is. Shortly after we were done, a blurb came up on my computer that said, "Do you want to know what your neighbor makes or do you want to know what your boss makes, according to the latest Census?" When I clicked on it, the instructions were to type in your zip code, so I did. What I got back was the Median Income for any zip code I typed in. Sure told a lot, didn't it? That information, along with housing costs, would probably be helpful for someone seeking to relocate from another section of the country.

Are you saying that the Census information is not seen for 72 years?

Then that means that the large staffs who compile the info are sworn to secrecy and the various groups who receive the info are also sworn to secrecy and nothing is leaked for 72 years.