As of April 13, Williamson County had the highest percentage of census response among counties in Central Texas as well as in the state of Texas, according to U.S. Census Bureau Data.
So far, 51.6% of Williamson County residents have completed the census, data shows.
About 48.1% of the nation’s households have responded to the census either online or by phone, up from 45.7% a week prior. And in Texas, 43.7% of people have responded, up from 41.1% a week prior, data shows.
Here is a breakdown of Central Texas response rates so far.
- Bastrop County: 39%
- Comal County: 50.1%
- Hays County: 42.4%
- Travis County: 47.3%
- Williamson County: 51.6%
On April 13, the bureau announced it will extend its self response timeline from July 31 to Oct. 31 due to coronavirus concerns. Households can still respond to the census online, by phone or in paper.
From earlier
Nearly half of Central Texas residents have completed the 2020 census as of April 6, U.S. Census Bureau data shows.
The census is a constitutionally mandated survey that is taken every 10 years to count each person where they live on April 1. The results are then used to determine $675 billion in federal funding allocations, government representation at the federal and local levels, and corporate decisions, all of which could have major effects on residents.
For every one person not counted in the census, Texas loses approximately $15,000—or $1,500 per year—for ten years, according to the bureau. This money is distributed to local entities through small business loans, school lunch programs and more.
As of April 6, 45.7% of the nation’s households have responded to the census either online or by phone, up from 36.2% prior to April 1, the bureau said. Residents have until Aug. 14 to respond online or by phone.
In Texas, 41.1% of people have responded, data shows.
Here is a breakdown of Central Texas response rates so far.
- Bastrop County: 36.8%
- Comal County: 47.1%
- Hays County: 39.7%
- Travis County: 44.4%
- Williamson County: 48.4%
Households that have not responded yet will receive paper questionnaires in the mail during the week of April 6.
The census timeline has shifted due to the coronavirus, and nonresponse follow-ups conducted by numerators—federal employed census takers—are now scheduled to begin in late May.
The census is available in 13 languages online and over the phone, and the print version is available in 59 languages.
Individuals should respond to the census as to where they lived on April 1. College students who have left campus due to the coronavirus should still be counted in their college cities.
