Census takers to follow up with nonresponders

The U.S. Census Bureau said it will begin following up with households that have not yet responded to the 2020 Census in a small number of locations in July.

Based on the current self-response rate of 61.8%, the Census Bureau estimates it will need to visit approximately 56 million addresses to collect responses in person. Because of the scale of this operation, the Census Bureau will begin the work in a few areas before operations begin in earnest across the country.

Starting July 16, census takers will begin interviewing households that have yet to respond to the 2020 Census, including Idaho.

Wednesday and today, several Census Field Supervisors will make contact with about 80 households in a limited geography — within the Boise ACO and Nashville ACO — to ensure readiness of systems and processes for the soft launch, which is scheduled for July 16.

In subsequent weeks the Census Bureau will announce additional census offices as it builds to beginning enumeration activities nationwide. The majority of census offices across the country will begin follow-up work on Aug. 11. All offices will conclude work no later than Oct. 31.

Households can still respond now by completing and mailing back the paper questionnaire they received or by responding online at 2020census.gov or by phone at 844-330-2020.