Kankakee, IL – While the United States Census Bureau is adapting their plan for the 2020 Census due to COVID-19, the best way to respond to ensure an accurate count is by self-reporting. Currently, the national self-response rate is 48.1% with the state of Illinois showing a 52.5% response rate. The City of Kankakee is reporting a 42.8% response rate, an increase of 8.5% since Census Day on April 1, 2020.

Households who have not responded yet will receive a reminder letter in the mail. You can respond by mail, online at www.2020census.gov or over the phone. The 2020 Census is available in more than a dozen languages, which allows for over 99% of the nation's households to complete the Census. Each language has a dedicated phone number to respond. For English, call 844-330-2020. For Spanish, call 844-468-2020. For additional languages, visit www.2020census.gov.

Responses to the 2020 Census determines how much federal funding is allocated for programs, family services, schools, transportation, healthcare and more. They are also used to redraw legislative districts and determine the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives. The State of Illinois has the potential to lose two U.S. House of Representatives based on the results of the 2020 Census.

“Ten minutes shapes the next 10 years for our community. We will continue to encourage everyone to self-report, especially under the current circumstances of COVID-19,” said Mayor Wells-Armstrong.

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The City of Kankakee is dedicated to protecting, building and nurturing the community while enhancing lives. We are a historic, vibrant, and active riverfront community. We continue to transform into an extraordinary place to dream, grow, and thrive. Embracing our diversity, we strive to be progressive, inclusive, and innovative. For more information on the City of Kankakee, please visit the website at www.citykankakee-il.gov.

 

Download the Press Release - City of Kankakee Self-Response Rate to the 2020 Census Increases