With the 2020 census count concluding at the end of this month, West Virginia is the second most accounted for state.
Newly released data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that all but 4.6 percent of West Virginians have filled out the once-in-a-decade population count, putting the state behind only Idaho for most people counted in the 2020 census.
Last week census workers hit the ground in West Virginia, going door-to-door to find people who have yet to self-report; however, over half of total respondents in the state have self-reported either through the mail or online.
The census count happens every 10 years, and it determines how much of the $75 billion federal budget will be given to the Mountain State.
Recently, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin and West Virginia native and actress Jennifer Garner released a video — urging West Virginians to submit a census form.
“By participating in this census, you help ensure your tax dollars stay right here in the Mountain State to benefit our schools, seniors, veterans, hospitals and more,” a masked Garner said.
The number also determines how many congressional seats and therefore how much influence the state has in the nation’s capital. After the 1990 census, West Virginia’s population dropped and the state lost a representative.
Jefferson County has the largest amount of people self-responding, and McDowell County has the least.
“Your response matters. So make it count West Virginia,” Manchin said.
The deadline to submit responses is September 30.
