Lee County, IA – Households across the United States had until April 27 to return their census forms.
The overall return rate in Lee County was 79%. West Point led the way with 87% compliance, followed by Franklin at 85%.
West Point - 87%
Franklin - 85%
Keokuk - 80%
Houghton - 80%
Rural Lee County - 79%
Saint Paul - 79%
Fort Madison - 78%
Montrose - 75%
Donnellson - 74%
Lee County's 2010 Census Count Committee says there is room for improvement. The panel says about 3,400 households have not responded.
That is why the panel is encouraging residents in those households to talk to census workers as they go door-to-door throughout the county. Board of Supervisors Chairman Rick Larkin says hundreds of thousands of dollars are on the line over the next ten years.
"For each person that's counted," said Larkin, "that means that you will receive $2,000 more. So that's important for the local districts to be counted."
Lee County's 2010 Census Count Committee says a census worker will carry an official identification badge and black canvas bag. The workers will not ask to enter a home or for social security numbers or bank account information.
The committee says census takers will ask residents for
Name
Gender
Age/Date of Birth
Phone Number
Hispanic Origin
Race
Relationship
Home Owned/Rented
Occupancy
More information is available here
Iowa saw 78% of its households return their census forms while the national return rate was 72%.