Census data released tomorrow

The results of the 2010 U.S. Census will be made public tomorrow.

The data to be released by Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke, Acting Deputy Secretary Rebecca Blank and Census Bureau Director Robert Groves at an 11 a.m. press conference will include the resident population for the nation and the states as well as the Congressional apportionment totals for each state.

The law requires the Census Bureau to report these results to the President by Dec. 31.

As mandated by the Constitution, the census counts every resident in the United States every 10 years to determine the number of seats each state receives in the U.S. House of Representatives. Beginning this month, the nation will see the first results from the 2010 Census as a new portrait of America begins to take shape, government officials said.

How over $400 billion in federal funds is distributed each year to states and communities is based in part on Census population data.

Census data is also used in determining how the 435 seats in the House of Representatives are apportioned among the 50 states. Each state must have at least one Representative in Congress. Beyond that the number is determined by Census data. Any changes in apportionment of these seats will be reported to the Congress and the states in January.

The reapportionment will be in place in time for the 2012 elections.

According to the Department of Commerce, 74 percent of households returned a 2010 Census form by mail, matching the mail participation rate achieved during the 2000 Census, and saving the government approximately $85 million in door-to-door expenses.