During the Governor’s daily COVID-19 press conference on Wednesday, the topic of the US Census was mentioned. In specific, urgency was stressed relating to Ohioans providing a response.
In typical Ohio fashion, it was noted that we are lagging behind Michigan. Such remarks have been known to provide strong motivation in more than one setting.
Delaware County is doing its part, however, with a response rate higher than the national average and that of the state of Ohio — even higher than Michigan’s.
On April 1, known as “Census Day” as the official count takes place on that date, the national rate of census returns was 36.2%, with Ohio’s pegged at 39.3%. Fast forward two weeks, and the national average is 49.1%, Ohio’s is 52.6%, and Michigan’s is 55.% according to the most recent information provided by the US Census Bureau.
The response rate for Delaware County is actually higher than all of its surrounding counties. Delaware County currently stands at 63.2%, up from 46.0% on April 1.
Individual cities and villages in the county had the following response rates:
Delaware — 60.2%
Sumbury — 60.1%
Powell — 70.1%
Westerville — 66.2%
Ashley — 26.2%
Shawnee Hills — 66.5%
Perhaps reflecting the current public health situation, over 98% of Delaware County respondents did so through a means other than the US mail — most online.
Source: US Census Bureau
