2010 Census: the Bureau¿s Plans for Reducing the Undercount Show Promise, But Key Uncertainties Remain

Book excerpt: An accurate decennial census relies on finding and counting people in their place of residence, and collecting complete and correct info. on them. This is difficult as the nation¿s population is growing larger, more diverse, and difficult to find and reluctant to participate in the census. Undercounts have plagued the census and the differential impact on various sub-populations such as minorities and children is problematic. This report describes: (1) activities the Bureau plans to use to help reduce the differential undercount and improve participation; (2) the various challenges and opportunities that might affect the Bureau¿s ability to improve coverage in 2010; and (3) how different population estimates can impact the allocation of fed. grant funds. Charts and tables.