Nevada County Census responses lag behind

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June 30, 2020 – The 2020 Census is well underway and the latest update shows Nevada County’s response rate at 56.5% – behind both the state and national rates. The county ranks 38 out of the 58 counties in California as of today.

It’s important that everyone be counted, so if you have received your flyer asking you to respond online or if you have received a printed questionnaire in the mail, make sure you are counted and respond at my2020census.gov or if you prefer, mail back the paper questionnaire. If you are unable to respond online or need assistance, please call toll-free 1-844-330-2020. Learn more about the Nevada County Counts campaign at www.NevadaCountyCounts.org.

Seasonal and Vacation Homes in the Sierra Need to Respond Too

As summer heats up and we head into the 4^th of July weekend, people are heading to their vacation homes and cabins. There may be a  2020 Census questionnaire packet at the front door. The U.S. Census Bureau is asking people to please respond now for your second or seasonal home.

For any cabin or vacation rental property you own, but usually do not live or sleep most of the time, follow the instructions below to minimize the need for a census taker to follow up. 

1. Visit www.my2020census.gov          
2. Enter the Census ID or address for this secondary property
 3. Enter “0” for the number of people living at this property
 4. Hit Next, and to advance page, click Next again
 5. Select “No” when asked to confirm no person lives at this property
 6. Select primary reason – Seasonal (most likely)
 7. Complete! 

Here’s a quick look at how Census data shapes our communities:

• Emergency Preparedness & Disaster Relief: Statistics from the 2020 Census will be used for funding of federal disaster relief, preparation, rescue operations, hospitals & clinics, and fire stations.
• Schools and Education: The 2020 Census count impacts the federal funds that communities receive each year for schools, teachers, and students, such as special education, Head Start, after-school programs, classroom technology, food assistance, and maternal/child health programs. Census information also funds Federal student loans, research grants, and campus improvements.
• Social Services & Food Programs: 2020 Census statistics will be used to fund social service programs including Medi-Cal; Head Start; Women, Infants and Children (WIC); and CalFresh (food stamps).
• Representation: Census results are used to adjust or redraw electoral districts, based on where populations have increased or decreased. State legislatures or independent bipartisan commissions are responsible for redrawing congressional districts. The U.S. Census Bureau provides states with population counts for this purpose.