If you haven’t already received your 2010 U.S. Census forms, keep an eye out — they are in the mail and should be arriving soon.

Census data affects how more than $400 billion per year in federal funding is distributed to tribal, state and local governments. At the heart of the 2010 Census outreach effort is the 10-question Census form, one of the shortest census forms in history, which will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. Households will be asked to provide key demographic information, including: whether a housing unit is rented or owned; the address of the residence; and the names, genders, ages, races and relationships of others living in the household.

By participating in the census, you can help create a better future for you and those important to you. The 2010 Census will be a snapshot of our nation’s population — capturing our changing and diverse American in a fleeting moment in time. This historic event will do more than tell us who we are as a nation today, it will affect your future as well as that of your community and country.

Workers from the U.S. Census Bureau will visit households that do not return the forms to take a count in person. If for some reason you do not receive a form or do not think you have otherwise been counted, click here to be directed to the 2010 Census Web site.

Completing the census form is easy, important and safe. Your participation is vital.