And the winner is…
…the Towns of Seward and Wright.
They’re the two Schoharie County towns showing the best returns for the 2020 United States Census so far.
Nationally, the response rate as of April 12 is 48.1 percent.
The New York State return rate is 42.3 percent.
And Schoharie County’s?
It’s averaging 34 percent--though the Town of Seward at 53 percent and the Town of Wright at 51.3 are well above all of those averages.
Historically, the local response to the Census has been low, due in part to lack of internet and broadband, and even before COVID-19, it was estimated that 20 percent of households here wouldn’t self-report.
Plans by the local libraries to help by boosting internet access are also on hold; they’re all closed indefinitely because of the pandemic.
And Census field activities—workers going door-to-door to collect information from people who haven’t filled out their forms—have been shoved back again from April 15 to sometime after June 1 because of COVID.
Anyone can complete their Census by going online at 2020Census.gov—no invitation needed or Census ID number needed.
You can also complete the Census over the phone by calling (844) 330-2020.
Apparently Seward and Wright residents have gotten the message.
The two towns had the highest response rate as of March 30 and they still lead the pack in the latest calculations.
The response rate by town as of April 12 follows:
• Blenheim—16.3 percent.
• Broome—28.1 percent.
• Carlisle—43.2 percent.
• Cobleskill (town) —39.7 percent.
• Cobleskill (village)—38.9 percent.
• Conesville—21.9 percent.
• Esperance—33.7 percent.
• Fulton—29.2 percent.
• Gilboa—25.1 percent.
• Jefferson—29.1 percent.
• Middleburgh (town)—34 percent.
• Middleburgh (village)—24.5 percent.
• Richmondville—32.9 percent.
• Schoharie (town)—36.1 percent.
• Schoharie (village)—31.1 percent.
• Seward—53 percent.
• Sharon—38.7 percent.
• Summit—14.2 percent.
• Wright—51.3 percent.
Help with the Census is available from the county’s Office of Community Development Services, (518) 295-8770; staff is largely working from home and you will likely need to leave a message.
You can also email County Planner Shane Nickle at Shanenickle@co.schoharie.ny.us.