Funding needs for such programs are based on the number of low-income families counted from census data. A more accurate count of low-income families could mean more dollars toward such programs and the ability to meet needs more realistically. Senior citizens groups use census data to draw support to meet needs for the elderly living in the area, such as building community centers. Undercounting seniors would skew such data and affect support for true needs. Families are affected by inaccurate census data in that census statistics are used to determine where new roads, schools, hospitals and child-care centers will be built.
Businesses use census data to determine the percentage of minorities in the work force.
That percentage in the business is supposed to reflect the percentage of minorities in the community. The number of job opportunities for minorities could increase with a more accurate count because the numbers would be more reflective of the true minority population. Both legal and illegal immigrants are encouraged to participate. By law, the data is protected and cannot be used by the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Census takers are not the police, and the information given is strictly confidential.