2020 Census: CT Self-Response Rate of 19% Ranks 32nd

As the nation grapples with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on daily life, an unprecedented number of people find themselves at home for extended periods. Simultaneously, the nation has begun the 2020 U.S. Census, which gathers population data that will be used to determine the way in which federal resources are allocated by public agencies for the next decade.

Thus far, the response in Connecticut is slightly below the national average, and ranks 32nd in the nation, according to newly released data. To date, the national self-response rate is 19.2%; Connecticut’s self-response rate is 19%. It is expected to increase, in Connecticut and nationwide, in the coming weeks and months.

Invitations for every household in the U.S. to participate in the Census were sent out between March 12 and March 20. For the first time in U.S. history, the Census form can be filled out online, by phone or by mail. In Connecticut and across the country, most of those who have responded have done so online. In Connecticut, while the overall self-response rate is 19%, the self-response rate via internet is 17.1%.

The overall self-response rate, thus far in 2020, by county in Connecticut, is led by New London County. The self-response rates by county: New London 20.1%, Hartford 19.3%, Middlesex 19.2%, Fairfield 18.9%, New Haven 18.8%, Tolland 18.4%, Litchfield 18.2%, and Windham 17.5%.

Connecticut residents are urged to respond to the Census today, or in the coming weeks. The U.S. Census Bureau announced Friday that the deadline for self-response has been extended two weeks, to August 14. Census representatives are scheduled to begin knocking on doors later this spring, if responses have not been received. The start of that effort has been delayed to May 28, as of now, as officials monitor recommendations from health officials related to the coronavirus pandemic.

“There’s a lot at stake for Connecticut,” said Michelle Riordan-Nold, a member of Connecticut’s Complete Count Committee and Executive Director of the Connecticut Data Collaborative, the lead organization for the State of Connecticut in the U.S. Census Bureau’s State Data Center Program. “The funding Connecticut receives for many essential programs is determined by census data. An undercount will mean less money for our state and our communities.”

Among neighboring states, the self-response rate in Rhode Island is 20.5%, Massachusetts is 20.4%, and New York is 16.3%. The leading states in the self-response to the Census thus far are Nebraska (25.1%), Iowa (24.3%), Wisconsin (24.3%), Kansas (23.5%), and Minnesota (23.3%). Federal law requires every person to respond to the nation’s decennial census, which has occurred once every decade since 1790.

Individuals responding submit one census form listing everyone who lives in their household. Correspondence from the Census includes a 12-digit identifying code which is helpful, although not required, to complete the census form. The 2020 Census online form is compatible with all Android and Apple smartphone browsers. To respond by phone, individuals should contact (844) 330-2020. The Census Bureau estimates that completing the questionnaire takes about 10 minutes. In areas where 20 percent or more of the households speak Spanish, correspondence was sent including both English and Spanish. Information explaining how to respond to the Census questionnaire is also available in 59 languages.

The self-response rate in Connecticut in 2010 was 69.5%, slightly higher than the national rate of 66.5%. In 2010, the self-response rates were: Fairfield 69.5%, Hartford 71.4%, Litchfield 67.8%, Middlesex 70.5%, New Haven 69%, New London 66.4%, Tolland 73.3%, Windham 62.6%.

State officials point out that Connecticut receives $10.7 billion annually in federal funding in areas including roads, schools, public works, and vital assistance programs. Many of these federal funding formulas rely on the Census data to apportion the funds. The data is also used to redraw the boundaries of congressional and state legislative districts and accurately determine the number of congressional seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives. After the 2010 Census, based on population data nationwide, Connecticut lost a Congressional seat, reducing the state’s delegation from six to five. Business decisions – such as where to locate or expand - are also often influenced by data that is provided based on Census counts.

Connecticut has a statewide Complete Count Committee to coordinate state efforts, and more than 100 municipalities and other organizations have local committees. The state’s website is www.ct.gov/census. In addition, nonprofit agencies in Connecticut and community foundations across the state are supporting and assisting efforts to achieve a complete count. Households that have yet to respond to letters received from the Census Bureau should expect to receive a reminder postcard, followed by a reminder letter and paper questionnaire in April.

The Connecticut Data Collaborative (www.ctdata.org) is the lead organization for Connecticut in the U.S. Census Bureau’s State Data Center Program and Connecticut’s official source for Census data related to the 2020 Census. Data and analysis, along with key information, is being posted to the website. The Connecticut Data Collaborative (CTData) is a statewide public-private partnership that advocates for the public availability of open and accessible data.

The U.S. Census Bureau continues to accept applications for census workers. Individuals can apply at https://2020census.gov/en/jobs.html

The Census Bureau does not disclose any personal information. Responses are used only to produce statistics. It is against the law for any Census Bureau employee to disclose or publish any census information that identifies an individual. Census Bureau employees take a lifelong pledge of confidentiality to handle data responsibly and keep respondents’ information private. No law enforcement agency (not the DHS, ICE, FBI, or CIA) can access or use personal information at any time.

During the 2020 Census, the Census Bureau will never ask individuals for a Social Security number, bank or credit card account numbers, money or donations, or anything on behalf of a political party. There is no citizenship question on the 2020 Census. If someone claiming to be from the Census Bureau contacts a person via email or phone and asks for one of these things, it is a scam, and individuals should not cooperate.

Additional information about the 2020 Census is available at www.2020census.gov General questions can also be addressed on the U.S. Census Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page, or by calling 301-763-INFO (4636) or 800-923-8282.