Progress 2020: The Census in Vermont

Brilliant fall colors on display in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

After having one of the nation's worst participation rates earlier this year, Vermont has made great progress in responding to the 2020 U.S. Census, Gov. Phil Scott recently announced. 

"I'm pleased to report, while we previously lagged behind in the rankings, we're now fifth in the country, and on track to match our 2010 response," Scott said at a Friday press conference.

As of Sunday, 60.1 percent of Vermont households had responded to the Census; the state's 2010 response was 60.3 percent. 

Vermonters' initially slow response in the spring and most of the summer sparked several announcements from state officials urging people to participate, as the results impact each state’s federal funding. Officials noted the Census impact goes well beyond relief funds and also brings in federal dollars for infrastructure projects, school lunches and other needs. About $2.5 billion in federal funding comes back to Vermont because of the Census.

Last Friday, the governor said the state could do "even better", and he asked those who haven't done so, to fill out their form. Federal officials on Monday announced plans to conclude the Census on Oct. 5, despite a court order to stick with the original Oct. 31 end date. Earlier this year, in-person data collection was delayed for many weeks due to the pandemic. The Census can be completed online at my2020census.gov or by phone at 844-330-2020.

Vermont's increased participation in the 2020 Census is already a note of progress in turbulent times. Whether it's next week or on Halloween, it appears the Census will conclude in October. If you haven't filled out the form just yet, it quite literally is a five-minute process, and an easy way to help your state. Vermonters: Let's go for that 60.3 percent.

— Gareth Henderson