Postcards to be mailed between June 24 – July 3
The response rates to the 2020 US Census have been abysmal in Gilliam and Wheeler counties and it turns out that there is reason for the poor results.
The US Census confirmed that errors were made in the mailing out of Census documents to residents of Gilliam and Wheeler counties.
Currently, the response rate in Gilliam County is 22.3% and it is not much better in Wheeler County, which has 23.3% respondents. The State of Oregon is at 64.1%.
The US Census is a tool that is used to calculate the amount of federal funding that is made available to communities. Funding for roads, schools, hospitals, and public works projects hinge on the data provided to the US Census. Every 10 years, the data that is gathered is used for the next decade to make decisions for local funding. With $675 billion devoted to these programs, participation of area residents is crucial .
The good news for residents of Gilliam and Wheeler Counties is that it is not too late. Mailers are on their way and residents can complete the 2020 Census online.