April 1 was Census Day in the United States. Here’s a map of the local responses so far to the census questionnaire.

As of April 2 the figures show that 47.3 percent of the Allen County residents have responded. Of that percent, 41.5 percent have responded online.

And, according to the color coding, Bluffton has a response rate of between 50 and 556 percent.

CLICK HERE to view the interactive map.

In 2020 you can self-respond one of three ways: 
• Online at www.my2020census.gov
• By phone at 844-330-2020
• By returning the census form by mail.
   Persons who do not fill out the questionnaire on line will receive a paper questionnaire in the mail in a few weeks.

According to the Census Bureau, the completeness and accuracy of our count will shape our community for the next 10 years.

What is at stake:
• Representation: Census data determines how many seats Ohio will be allocated in the House of Representatives. 
• Federal Funding: Census data determines allocations of funding for public services, schools, hospitals, fire departments, police departments, and other public agencies.

Community and Economic Development: Census data is used to plan for new homes and businesses and improve neighborhoods.

Allen County was under-counted by 11,457 households for the 2010 Census. This under-count resulted in an estimated $515,402,200 in federal and state funding that  did not come to Allen County from 2010 – 2020.

A complete and accurate count for the 2020 Census could bring over $2.3 billion in federal and state funding to the Lima / Allen County community. That amounts to $19, 800 per person over a 10-year period. 

The 2020 self-response rate in the chart above reflects households that have responded through any of these three ways. In 2010 and 2000, self-response meant mailing back the paper questionnaire.