Census predicts fall in response rate
Thursday, October 22nd, 2009H/t to USA Today for the following:
Turbulent political and economic times roiling the nation are expected to diminish initial participation by households in next year’s Census despite a $326 million marketing blitz that far outspends previous Census campaigns.
Mounting mistrust of government, rising identity theft and record numbers of foreclosures could discourage people from mailing back Census forms next year, according to the Census Bureau.
A Census analysis shows that about 64% of households are likely to mail in their forms without additional prodding from Census workers — down from 67% in 2000. That could mean 4 million more doors to knock on.
CENSUS STRATEGY: Reaching hard-to-count residents
CENSUS NUMBERS: Interactive look at 2008 data
