Pike County: Fill out the census survey, for your community's sake

The 2020 U.S. Census is an opportunity to shape the future of your community. Census results determine how federal funds flow into states and communities each year.

“Every year, billions of dollars in federal funding go to fire departments, schools, roads, hospitals, and other resources based on census data,” said Pike County Commissioner Steve Guccini. “Your response to the census will help the people of Pike County.”

By Census Day — April 1 — each home will receive an invitation to respond to a short questionnaire online, by phone, or by mail. This will mark the first time that you will be able to respond to the census online. You can even respond on your mobile device.

Participating in the census is required by law, even if you recently responded to another survey from the Census Bureau.

A complete and accurate count is critical. The census provides data that lawmakers, business owners, teachers, and many others use related to daily services, products, and support for individuals and their community.

The results also determine the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives, and are used to draw congressional and state legislative districts.

“The census is a cornerstone of America’s democracy,” said Pike County Commissioner Matthew Osterberg. “It helps to ensure that our government represents the people. Your response will help to guide future planning at a local level.”

How you can participate

There are many ways individuals, businesses, community organizations, and others can help with the count.

The most important way is to complete the short questionnaire as soon as you receive your invitation this spring. Responses will be accepted online, by phone, or by mail.The law ensures that your private information is never published and that your answers cannot be used against you by any government agency or court.

“When you respond to the census, your answers are kept anonymous. They are used only to produce statistics,” says Pike County Planning Director Michael Mrozinski. “The U.S. Census Bureau is bound by law to protect your answers and keep them strictly confidential.”

Following this initial opportunity to participate, U.S. Census enumerators will visit the homes of people who have not yet completed the survey. Enumerators will not visit the homes of people who submit their completed surveys.

Local employment opportunities

Right now, the U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting to fill hundreds of thousands of temporary positions across the country to assist with the census count.Temporary positions feature flexible hours — a good fit if you are looking to earn extra money, even if you already have other commitments. Census jobs offer competitive wages, paid weekly. Authorized expenses, such as mileage, are reimbursed for employees doing field work.

Stay informed

Visit 2020census.gov for the most current, accurate information on this year's census. You can sign up for updates and to receive a reminder when it's time to respond.You can also apply for a local temporary job through the census website or by contacting the Pike County Workforce Development Office at 570-296-2909.

The 2020 Census will mark the 24th time the country has counted its population since 1790. The 2020 Census will count every person living in the 50 states, District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories.

The count is mandated by the Constitution and is conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, a nonpartisan government agency.