Census Counting Ending Early
The 2020 Census will be ending a month earlier than anticipated, with all counting efforts being suspended at the end of September.
As of last week, the national Self-Response rate for the Census was 64.6%. Virginia’s Self-Response rate was 69.2% and Gloucester’s Self-Response rate was 67%.
Several areas of concern in the County include the Guinea and James Store areas, as response rates in those places are lower than compared to the rest of the County. Gloucester’s Complete Count Census Committee, which includes Community Engagement and Public Information, is working in those areas with increased signage to try to encourage those residents to fill out their Census forms. Those committee members have also been reaching out to local media regularly, conducting radio and newspaper interviews to spread the word.
Enumerators with the U.S. Census Bureau are in the area and will be going door to door through the end of September. Each Census worker will have identification and will practice CDC guidelines regarding COVID-19.
Some good news – Virginia is in the top 10 in the nation regarding Census participation and Gloucester is following closely in line with the statewide average.
Remember, the Census gauges the amount of Federal dollars we receive to go toward many of the services we depend on such as fire and rescue. If you have not had the opportunity to fill out your Census yet, it’s a quick process and can be completed by visiting www.my2020Census.gov.
