Baldwin County lags behind Alabama, National Census response rates

By Jessica Vaughn
Posted 8/13/20

According to 2020 Census self-response rates released on Aug. 9, the National Census response rate is at 63.3%. Alabama clocks in at 60.8%, while Baldwin County falls behind at 55.1%.

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Baldwin County lags behind Alabama, National Census response rates

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According to 2020 Census self-response rates released on Aug. 9, the National Census response rate is at 63.3%. Alabama clocks in at 60.8%, while Baldwin County falls behind at 55.1%.

When comparing Baldwin County municipalities, Fairhope comes in with the highest self-response rate at 74.5%, followed by Daphne at 71.0%, Foley at 68.0%, Robertsdale at 67.1%, Summerdale at 66.2%, Loxley at 65.9%, Bay Minette at 63.7%, Spanish Fort at 62.1%, and Silverhill at 60.3%.

Currently the five municipalities with the lowest self-response rates are Magnolia Springs at 57.3%, Perdido Beach at 53.6%, Elberta at 52.5%, Gulf Shores at 36.0%, and Orange Beach at 18.4%.

The Census takes place every ten years and takes count of the population in an area. Results gathered determine federal money flow over those next ten years. Annually, the US Federal Government has more than $675 billion to give away. Money is allocated based on census numbers, or how many people are in your community.

“I have always known that the Census was important, but I never realized that vital federal funding needed for healthcare, schools, agriculture, the elderly and much more did not go to where the most need is but to where the most numbers are,” said Commissioner Billie Jo Underwood. “Most people that I have talked to have completed their Census, but I am still finding some who have not. I am asking everyone to please help us find those who have not completed the Census. Baldwin County and Alabama must be counted. If they need help, offer to assist them. I know you can find someone.”

Each person who does not fill out their Census costs Alabama $1,600 of federal funding per year for the next ten years.

Money isn’t the only thing affected by Census numbers. Alabama is in jeopardy of losing two seats in the House of Representatives.

Everyone who lives in a household counts towards the Census, no matter how young or old. No personal information such as social security number, tax information, or citizenship information is required when completing the Census.

For those who have yet to fill out their Census, Census Bureau enumerators are now going door to door in an attempt to raise response rate numbers. Enumerators will have a photo ID and all equipment, including cell phones, laptops, and laptop bags, will identify them as Census workers.

For the first time ever, you can now respond to your Census online at my2020census.gov, as well as via phone (1-844-330-2020), and by filling out mailed forms. Households can respond online or by phone in English or 12 other languages, or by mail using the paper questionnaire mailed to unresponsive addresses or dropped off at the door.

The 2020 Census is composed of ten questions and takes approximately six minutes to complete. Oct. 31 is the last day to complete your census.