Gov. Ritter Announces Colorado PARTICIPATION RATE AT 52 PERCENT on Census Day

Governor encourages Coloradans to fill out and return their Census forms to help save costs associated with expensive follow up for unreturned forms

Gov. Bill Ritter today announced that Colorado has reached the 52 percent mark for completed Census forms. April 1 marks "Census Day," a point of reference for sending completed forms back in the mail.


"As of Census Day, Colorado's participation rate is 52 percent, ahead of the 50 percent national average. This is an important accomplishment for Colorado, but we still need everyone to do their part," said Gov. Ritter

In the 2000 Census, Colorado's participation rate was 73 percent, slightly higher than the national average of 72 percent.

Ritter added, "It's important that all Coloradans complete and return their questionnaire because census data helps determine the distribution of more than $400 billion per year in federal funding. In Colorado, it is estimated that each person counted is worth $880, or $4.27 billion per year. Those are dollars that go toward services for children, the elderly, roads and many other local needs."

Elizabeth Garner, Colorado's State Demographer notes, "The U. S. Constitution requires us to do a census every ten years. When citizens complete and mail their census forms in a timely manner, we save tax dollars. In the next couple of weeks, census workers will begin visiting residents who have not returned their questionnaires. This is very expensive; in fact, if every household in the U.S. mailed back their questionnaire without a home visit, it would save taxpayers $1.5 billion dollars."

Three of Colorado's cities are on the Census Bureau's "50 Top Places" list, meaning they are among the cities with the 50 highest participation rates. They are Arvada (63 percent), Loveland (62 percent) and Centennial (61 percent).

So far, Colorado's top three counties leading the way in participation are Phillips County (61 percent) and Elbert and Jefferson counties tied at 60 percent.

It is a civic duty for everyone to fill out their Census forms, and if done in a timely manner, we all can do our part to save tax dollars. In the next couple of weeks, census workers will begin visiting homes that haven't returned their questionnaires. This is very expensive; in fact, if every household in the U.S. mailed back their questionnaire, it would save taxpayers $1.5 billion dollars.

Census questions are answered on the Telephone Questionnaire Assistance line at 866-872-6868 (English) or 866-928-2010 (Spanish). Coloradans can also visit a Questionnaire Assistance Center (QAC). QACs are staffed by knowledgeable census workers who can answer your questions and help you complete your form. Locations can be found on the Census Bureau's website at www.2010.census.gov. Simply follow the link on the bottom right of the page to check your community's Participation Rate. More information is also available at www.colorado.gov/census2010.