The census self-response period has been open to residents for a month, and Crow Wing County reported a self-response rate of 39%.
In an effort to increase the response rate, Crow Wing County is challenging its communities to a friendly competition for the highest response to raise the bar. The county is striving for 80% response total. Readers can stay up to date on where neighboring communities are at on the county census website: https://www.crowwing.us/2020census.
According to that website, as of Tuesday, April 21, area cities had the following response rates thus far: Pequot Lakes, 45.8%; Nisswa, 35.2%; Crosslake, 23.8%; Breezy Point, 39.3%; Jenkins, 46.8%.
“There is definitely some motivation needed for residents to respond to the census. We can’t stress enough the importance of getting counted,” Administrative Services Director Deborah Erickson said in a news release. “If we don’t get everyone counted accurately, that could mean state and federal dollars will go to other parts of the state and not to Crow Wing County. There is power in being counted. We thought a friendly competition among our communities would be a fun way to stay motivated and also earn some bragging rights.”
Online invitations were mailed to residents in mid-March asking for participation. The county reminds everyone that it’s safe and easy to respond using any of these three methods: online, phone and mail.
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However, anyone can still complete the census in person with census workers. Seasonal residents are encouraged to fill out their census form when they return to Crow Wing County versus temporary southern locations.
In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the US Census Bureau is adjusting it field operations to resume June 1. That is why it’s important to self-respond to protect the health and safety of area residents.
The U.S. Census Bureau conducts a nationwide count to determine the number of people living in the United States, and everyone in a household should be included. The census provides the basis for reapportioning congressional seats and distributing billions of dollars in federal funding for schools, hospitals, roads, public works and other vital programs in any community.
Data from the 2020 census will help establish funding levels for the next 10 years for services people rely on right now, such as health care, first responders, unemployment insurance, small business loans and more.
Complete the census questionnaire online at my2020census.gov, by phone at 844-330-2020 or by mail.
