Richardson had the ninth-highest census response rate among Texas cities with at least 100,000 residents, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
The numbers reflected the most recent count May 10 and showed 62% of Richardson residents had completed the decennial questionnaire, which is intended to serve as a complete count of the national population.
Richardson’s share of counted residents outpaced that of Texas as a whole. An estimated 53% of the state’s population had been counted so far. The national response rate May 10 was just under 59%.
The census informs decisions about government funding for state and local programs, representation and a host of other public questions.
Richardson’s higher-than-average response has historically helped the city obtain funding for infrastructure, social programs and even recent CARES Act assistance to help with the economic impact of COVID-19, said Assistant City Manager Shanna Sims-Bradish, who also heads up the city’s Complete Count Committee.
“We thank the Richardson community for recognizing the importance of the census and helping us work toward a complete count,” Sims-Bradish said. “We credit the work of the Complete Count Committee and Census Bureau for the work they have done in helping to get the word out. We also continue to encourage anyone who hasn’t responded to please do so today because of the difference it will make in the future.”
Richardson was one of six North Texas cities to rank in the top 10 for response rate among Texas municipalities with at least 100,000 residents.
Residents of Allen completed the survey at a 72% rate, while McKinney and Plano both responded at roughly 66%. Carrollton residents responded at about 65%, while residents of Frisco had a 64% response rate.
Staff writer Daniel Houston contributed to this report.
