Cook County’s response to the 2010 census has been slow, with a response rate of only 37%, compared to 72% across the rest of the state. If you haven’t responded because you didn’t receive a census form, you may pick one up at the local “Be Counted” assistance center at the Cook County courthouse. Census worker Suzy Lindskog is stationed in the courthouse lobby to provide help on Tuesday and Wednesday next week from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Citizens can also request a form by calling (866) 872-6868.
Compared to the rest of the state and the nation, Cook County is lagging behind in responding to the 2010 Census. The national return rate is 63%. The state of Minnesota is responding a little bit better. The Minnesota response rate is 72%. However, Cook County is far behind with a response rate of only 37%.
No one is sure why the census response is so low in Cook County. It may be that there are many seasonal residents who are answering elsewhere or who have not returned to be counted yet. Or perhaps it is the inherent stubborn streak in some northlanders who want to protect their privacy.
Whatever the reason, the Census Bureau encourages all citizens to mail in their 2010 census form. According to the US Census Bureau website, it is not too late. The Census Bureau would like everyone to get his or her form in the mail by midApril 2010. After that Census Bureau workers (enumerators) will attempt to visit residences that have not returned their form, an expensive undertaking for the Census Bureau.
The Census Bureau estimates that if every household completed and mailed back its census form, taxpayers could reduce the cost of taking the census by $1.5 billion.
Haven’t received a form yet?
If you haven’t yet received your form or have misplaced it, U.S. Census Bureau Director Robert M. Groves said you can visit a “Be Counted” assistance center or request a form from the Census Bureau telephone assistance line at (866) 872- 6868.
Forms and information are available locally at the Cook County assistance center which is located at the Cook County courthouse in Grand Marais. The assistance center is staffed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for the next two weeks from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Low response repeat
for Cook County?
Census takers may not be terribly surprised that the response to date has been low for Cook County. The 2000 census saw an even lower response. In 2000 the national response was 72%. Minnesota overall was higher with a 78% response rate. However, Cook County was far behind at 35%.
Low response could mean
loss of representation
Thislow response could be detrimental to Cook County if it leads to reapportionment of the state’s congressional districts. According to State Demographer Tom Gillaspy the number of U.S. House of Representative seats allocated to each state as required by the Constitution is based on the populations counted in the Census taken every 10 years. Gillaspy said that a loss of 3,000 people could mean a change to Minnesota’s eight Congressional districts.
This has happened in the past. Before 1960, Minnesota had nine seats in the legislature, it now has eight.
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