Area Census replies on par with nation

Terrebonne and Lafourche parish residents are keeping pace with the national average of people to complete the once-a-decade U.S. Census count. And St. Mary Parish residents aren’t too far behind.

The U.S. Constitution requires the nation’s population be counted every 10 years. Population and other data derived from the Census will be used to determine the number of federal and state representatives as well as, in some instances, the amount of federal funds directed to a particular region.

Nationally, an estimated 68 percent of people have returned their completed forms, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Louisiana’s response rate is lagging slightly, at 60 percent.

As of Thursday, Lafourche Parish’s response rate to the 2010 Census was approximately 67 percent, already surpassing the parish’s 65 percent return rate on the 2000 Census.

Fifty-eight percent of St. Mary Parish residents have replied to the Census.

Orleans Parish has had the fewest replies to the count – 41 percent, of which only 24 percent were returned by mail.

“We’re concerned about the relatively low response from New Orleans,” said Robert Groves, Census Bureau director.

In 2000, the Big Easy saw 58 percent of its residents mail back forms, he said. The national average that year was more than 70 percent.

Residents who’ve still failed to comply can expect a census taker to come calling. Groves said census takers will visit residences that have yet to reply throughout the month of May.

“The easiest and best way to be counted is to fill out and return your form by mail,” he added.

The Census includes 10 questions and takes only minutes to complete, Groves said, noting that filling out the form is “easy, important and safe.”

Paid-postage Census forms are available at local post offices and state and federal buildings. The Tri-Parish Times office at 4924 Highway 311 also has blank forms available to residents.