Vicksburg, Warren County and Mississippi lagging behind in census reporting

As of Friday, 63.6% of American households have responded to the 2020 U.S. Census.

Mississippi trails the national average with 58.1% which puts the state at No. 41. Minnesota leads the nation with a 72.7% rate.

Looking at cities in Mississippi, Vicksburg ranks 87th in the state with a 57% response rate. Madison leads the state with an 81% reporting rate.

In the counties, Warren County ranks significantly better at No. 17 out of 82 counties with a 59.6% reporting rate. DeSoto county leads with a 70% rate.

A little more than half of all census submissions were made on the internet. The entire process takes less than 10 minutes.

Census data is used to determine the amount of federal funding for schools, roads and highways, community development and transportation, among other needs. For every person in Mississippi who isn’t counted, the state loses about $5,000 a year in funding. In 2010, an undercount meant the state lost out on receiving $13.2 billion.

In 2000, Mississippi lost a congressional seat due to falling census numbers, meaning less representation in Washington, D.C.

Take the time today to go online and fill out the questionnaire at www.mscensus2020.org.