Edmonson County Still Behind On Census Response: Nolin/Mammoth Cave Area Show Lowest Rates

Response rate map as of May 29, 2020.

Northwestern Portion of County Falling Behind

Darren Doyle, story:
Census response rates in Edmonson County are currently behind the national and state average, according to data available on the U.S. Census Bureau's website.

As of today, the county as a whole is at 47.5% response rate, with the lowest responding tract in the Mammoth Cave/Nolin Lake area at somewhere between a 31% and 40% rate.  Kentucky's rate is now 63.9%, and the National rate is 60.2%.

The results of the 2020 Census will help determine how hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding flow into communities every year for the next decade, according to 2020Census.Gov. That funding shapes many different aspects of every community, no matter the size, no matter the location.

"Think of your morning commute: Census results influence highway planning and construction, as well as grants for buses, subways, and other public transit systems," the site states.

The response rates also affect local programs and schools, as they help determine how money is allocated for the Head Start program and for grants that support teachers and special education.

"The area in brown is part of the Update Leave operation, where Census employees are currently dropping off questionnaires at houses; this is a no-contact operation,: said Julie Travillion, the area's partnership specialist for the Census Bureau.  "The next lowest area is the pink area, below 50% self response. Blue areas are best, and the darker the blue, the better the response rate."

Citizens can respond to the Census online at 2020Census.Gov and look for Respond. There are also other options which include by mail, or by calling 844-330-2020.