New SEMCOG tool helps communities see up-to-date Census 2020 self-response rates

In spite of the challenges presented by COVID-19, the self-response rate to the 2020 U.S. Census is higher in Southeast Michigan than across the United States, the entire State of Michigan, and SEMCOG’s peer region, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission.

A report from SEMCOG indicates, “The region is off to a great start, but we have long way to go to reach our complete count for 2020.”

Communities are encouraged to take advantage of SEMCOG’s tools and resources as they continue to promote self-response throughout the community. Updated versions of this graphic are available here

Manchester’s highest rate of response is from Freedom Township, with 72.6% of households responding as of April 19. Bridgewater follows close behind, with 72.3% responding. Sharon Township had 71.6% of households respond to the census, while Manchester Township, including the Village of Manchester, is at a 60% response rate. The village’s actual response rate is at 58.3%. All of these response levels are higher than the state as a whole, which is at 56.5% overall.

The lower response rate for the village is possibly because so many residents of the village who live within 1/4 mile of the post office, do not have “accepted” street addresses, to which all census post cards were addressed. Since the Manchester post office will not deliver mail without a post office box in the address, many residents may not have received a post card reminder in the mail.

Citizens of all townships and the Village are still encouraged to visit the census website (https://my2020census.gov) and fill out the form online, which takes less than 10 minutes. The page will request a Census ID number, but if you don’t have one you may continue to fill out the form using your street address. Click at the bottom of the page where it says, “If you do not have a Census ID, click here.”

Every household in the United States is required by law to complete the 2020 Census. If you do not fill out the census online during the month of April, a census worker may visit your home to take your information in person.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.