St. Johns County has grown. Since 2000, the population of St. Johns County has increased  47.4%, compared to 14.7% growth for the state of Florida. This dramatic increase means St. Johns County has a lot to gain from a complete count in the 2010 Census.

Census affects funding in St. Johns County. Census data directly affect how more than $400 billion per year in federal and state funding is allocated to communities for neighborhood improvements, public health, education, transportation and much more.

Return on our investment. Census participation may result in as much as $2,900 per person per year being returned to St. Johns County.

It’s confidential. Your responses are protected by law. All Census Bureau employees have taken an oath to protect confidentiality and are subject to a jail term, a fine – or both – for disclosing information that could identify a respondent or household. The Census Bureau cannot share the answers with any agencies, even the FBI, IRS and INS.

It affects our local voice. Data are used to determine boundaries and apportion seats in the Florida Legislature and U.S. Congress. Florida currently has 25 of the 435 seats in the House of Representatives, and some projections suggest Florida may gain up to an additional 4 seats following the 2010 Census.

It affects our representation in state and local government. Census data are used to define County Commission districts and school zones.

It informs our community’s decisions. Data about changes in St. Johns County are crucial to many planning decisions, such as where to provide services for the elderly, where to build new roads and schools, and where to locate job training centers. Census data also helps determine locations for retail stores, schools, hospitals, new housing and other community facilities.

It’s easy. The Census 2010 form will have 10 easy questions, such as name, sex, age, race, and marital status. It takes on only a few minutes to answer and return by mail.

It’s required by law. The information gathered will provide summary statistical data that are used by various local, state and federal agencies.