The U.S. Census Bureau has announced that it is moving up its deadline to conclude the #2020census. Online response collection and field operations will now close on Wednesday, Sept. 30, one month earlier than planned.
The importance of Benbrook residents completing the Census cannot be overstated. Among other things, Congress uses the information to determine how they will divide up more than $675 billion in federal money among the states each year—money that is used for schools, roads, clinics, and expanded services for families, older adults, and children.
The information is also used to revise congressional and state legislative districts. And of course, the U.S. Constitution requires that the government conduct a census every 10 years, and individuals are required by law to respond.
Nationally, the census response rate is about 63 percent. Tarrant County is faring a little better, with a response rate of about 64 percent. However, Texas’ overall response rate is behind what it was at this point in the 2010 census. See census response rates.
The bureau is emailing households to encourage response and enumerators have already started visiting individual households in Tarrant County. Please note that census takers carry an ID badge that includes their photograph, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark, and an expiration date. They also will wear masks and follow local public health guidelines. Learn more.
While field collection has begun, you can still complete the census online. It takes about 10 minutes, and the information you share is confidential. You can also complete your questionnaire by calling 844-330-2020 and the survey is available in multiple languages.
The City of Benbrook encourages everyone to complete the census form promptly. The information can directly benefit our City leaders, business community, and residents. The Census Bureau slogan says it all: “Shape your roads. Shape your community. Shape your schools. Shape your future.”
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