Census participation increases in Minnesota

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Eighty percent of Minnesotans returned their 2010 Census questionnaires, an increase from 2000 when the state tied with Iowa at 77 percent. Only Wisconsin has a higher initial participation rate in 2010, at 81 percent. The nationwide participation rate stands at 72 percent.

Nine Minnesota communities rank in the top 20 nationally among cities with populations greater than 50,000. As of May 1, Maple Grove is third with an 86 percent participation rate, followed by Lakeville, ninth; Minnetonka, 11th; Plymouth, 13th; Woodbury, 16th; Apple Valley, 17th; Blaine, 18th, Bloomington, 19th; and Eagan, 20th. A total of 21 Minnesota cities and townships have a 100 percent return rate, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, which will release final participation rates in October.

On the county level, Hennepin County is tied with Oakland County in Michigan with the highest rate – 81 percent – for those with populations of at least 1 million people.

Minnesotans can find out how their community fared by visiting the Census Bureau’s “Take 10 Challenge Map,” online at http://2010.census.gov/2010census/take10map/.

The Census Bureau continues to collect data from residents. Census enumerators are starting door-to-door visits to contact those who haven’t returned their questionnaires. Enumerators will carry a badge from the U.S. Census Bureau and a black shoulder bag with the Census logo. Residents who are concerned about the validity of the enumerator can request a phone number to call the Kansas City Regional Census office.

Door-to-door enumerators will never ask to enter a residence, nor will they ask for Social Security, driver’s license or bank account numbers. They also will not ask questions about immigration status or income. Residents suspecting someone of impersonating an enumerator should notify local police.

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