The 2020 Census is happening now, and it is crucial that every single Westchester County resident is counted. With a current total self-response rate of 54.4 percent, Westchester County could lose millions of dollars in federal funding that can be used for schools, hospitals, roads, public works projects and other critical programs if residents do not participate.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Census deadline has been extended until Oct. 31, 2020 to account for the inability of Census staff to get into the field until early June. The Westchester County Complete Count Committee has been hard at work to ensure a complete count since April 1, 2019, and that work will continue just as the Census deadline has been extended. The Census is safe, easy and important.
- The Census is Safe – All of your data is completely confidential.
- The Census is Easy – The Census is only nine questions. You can simply phone in, fill out your form online or mail in the paper survey.
- The Census is Important – For every person that is not counted, the Census Bureau estimates that local governments lose $2500 per year. Every 400 people that are not counted equates to $1 million in lost funding.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer stressed the importance of an accurate, complete count: “We need everyone who is living here to participate regardless of status, whether you are a homeowner, renter, temporary resident, or a student living at home with your parents – you must be counted. Right now, we are only halfway to a full count of our households. We still need to remind those that haven’t responded that they can and must still do so.”
Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Planning Norma Drummond said: “Every household has a role in getting Westchester counted. Whether you complete the form on-line, by phone or on paper, you help ensure that your local municipality and the County get the appropriate amount of funding for the next ten years.”
Westchester residents who do not complete the Census on their own, will be visited by Census takers who will begin knocking on doors throughout the County to collect information in June.
Fill out your 2020 Census form. For more information, visit Westchester County Census.