An Introduction to the 2010 Census of Puerto Rico
Counting Everyone Once — and Only Once — and In the Right Place
The foundation of our democracy is dependent on fair and equitable representation in the
Legislature, both of which require an accurate assessment of the number and location of the
people living in Puerto Rico. That’s why a census of the population every 10 years is mandated
by law.
The census determines gains or losses to representation in the Legislature. It also determines the
amount of funding communities receive over the course of the decade. 2010 Census of Puerto
Rico data will directly affect how millions of dollars are allocated to municipal governments
over the next 10 years. In order for this funding allocation to be accomplished fairly and
accurately, the decennial census must count everybody, count them only once, and count them in
the right place. The facts gathered in the census also help shape decisions for the rest of the
decade about public health, neighborhood improvements, transportation, education, senior
services and much more.
Reaching an Increasingly Diverse Population
The 2010 Census of Puerto Rico will count all residents living on the island on April 1, 2010. To
ensure Puerto Rico’s increasingly diverse population can answer the questionnaire accurately
and completely, the U.S. Census Bureau will provide assistance to respondents. Also, the
U.S. Census Bureau does not ask about the legal status of respondents in any of its surveys and
census programs.
Recruiting Census Workers
By 2010, there will be an estimated 4 million people residing in Puerto Rico. Counting each
person in the census is the largest peacetime operation the federal government undertakes, and
the U.S. Census Bureau will recruit applicants and hire hundreds of temporary employees for
2010 Census field operations on the island. Many of these employees will be using GPS-
equipped hand-held computers to update maps and ensure there is an accurate address list for
delivering the cen