Less Than 50% of Residents Have Responded
Census Data Plays Key Role in Federal Funding Decision, Other Major Financial Resources
(FONDA, NY) – With Census officials unable to conduct door-to-door canvasing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Montgomery County officials are strongly urging citizens to complete the decennial survey.
Available online at 2020census.gov, the 2020 Census takes just a few moments to complete and has a major impact on the county for the next 10 years, because the results help determine how billions of dollars in federal funding flows to states and local communities each year.
“Completing the Census has a profound impact on our community, especially for smaller counties like Montgomery. It helps us present a fair and accurate description of conditions in our community, and helps our Members of Congress and state officials fight for more aid for schools, infrastructure, and other services. Additionally, our office uses this information to help attract new employers who bring good-paying jobs,” said Montgomery County Business Development Center CEO Ken Rose, whose office is helping coordinate Montgomery County’s Census participation.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Montgomery County currently has a response rate of 50 percent. That is lower than the statewide average of 53 percent and even further behind the national 58 percent response rate. While there was strong participation by county residents through the early part of April, response rates have tapered off in more recent weeks.
“It takes about five minutes and it can make a real difference. Right now, with more people staying home, it’s a great time to complete the online submission form,” Rose said.
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