Less than half of Warren County households have completed and returned their 2020 U.S. Census survey.

According to information released from the U.S. Census Bureau, 45.1% of households in Warren County have responded to the population count conducted once every decade. That ranks Warren County 54th in the state out of 95 counties.

Williamson County has the best rate of return at 58.1%, the Census Bureau says. Grundy County has the lowest participation rate a 23.2%. The statewide average is 47.1%.

Conducting the Census every decade is mandated by the U.S. Constitution and it’s crucial to shaping the future of communities. 

Census statistics are used to determine the number of seats each state holds in the U.S. House of Representatives and determines how hundreds of billions of dollars in public funds are allocated by federal lawmakers for services and infrastructure like hospitals, emergency response, schools and bridges over the next 10 years. 

About 64 million households across the nation will be receiving a paper questionnaire in the coming days as the U.S. Census Bureau continues to seek full participation. 

“It has never been easier to respond on your own, whether online at 2020census.gov, over the phone, or by mail — all without having to meet a census taker,” said Census Bureau director Dr. Steven Dillingham.  “It’s something everyone can do while practicing social distancing at home to make a difference today, tomorrow and the next 10 years.”

Households receiving the paper questionnaire can still respond online or by phone, or they can return it by mail in the enclosed envelope. They can choose to respond online at 2020census.gov in English or 12 other languages, or receive assistance through language guides and videos available in 59 languages. When you respond online, use the Census ID from the letter or provide your address. 

“Once you have responded, please encourage your family, friends and loved ones to complete the census too,” Dillingham said.