A little more than half of Allen County’s households have responded to the U.S. Census count for 2020.
The Census recently sent information to households to encourage residents to respond online, a process that takes only a few minutes. To respond, visit my2020census.gov
Currently, the Allen County response is a tad better than the state and national overall. Humboldt residents have the best response rate in the county, at just over 60%.
Following are current response rates, with the most-recent population estimates according to the U.S. Census.
— United States, population 327,167,439, response rate of 49.1%.
— Kansas, 2,911,510, 53.9%
— Allen County, 12,630, 54.6%
— Elsmore, 81, 39.1%
— Gas, 488, 31.2%
— Humboldt, 1,793, 60.2%
— Iola, 5,400, 54.6%
— LaHarpe, 579, 47.0%
— Moran, 408, 53.3%
— Savonburg, 57, 40.8%
CENSUS DATA is used to determine the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives, and are used to draw congressional and state legislative districts.
The data also is used to determine how billions of dollars in federal funds are distributed for health clinics, school lunch programs, disaster recovery initiatives, and other critical programs and services for the next 10 years.
The count happens every 10 years and is mandated by the U.S. Constitution. Participation is required by law. For those who don’t respond, field workers will visit households to obtain the required information.
Census Day was April 1, which is not a deadline but is used to determine where everyone was at one point in time. You still respond after that date, but you will be asked to include everyone who lived and slept in your home on April 1, 2020.
Because of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. Census Bureau is adjusting its efforts. Online, phone and mailed self-response will continue throughout the data collection process. Field activities will be delayed until June 1. Census takers typically begin in-person visits in April.
The count ends in December.
