So far, according to the Census Bureau, the national response rate to the 2010 census stands at just 50 percent. In a press release Tuesday, the agency highlighted parts of six states where return rates were especially low, and, yes, they are located in the traditionally Republican strongholds of Alaska, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.
Back in January, I wrote that conservatives would hurt their own cause if they refuse to fill out their census forms, since mostly red states stand to benefit (with additional Congressional representation) when redistricting begins in 2011. It’s still far too early to suggest, however, that members of one political party are filling out substantial more forms than the other.
Montana’s response rate, at 55 percent, is above the national average but still trails a handful of other states, including Idaho (57 percent) and North Dakota (61 percent). Statewide, the cities of Billings and Great Falls lead, each with participation rates of 64 percent. Here are the counties with the highest response rates in the state:
Yellowstone: 63 percent
Custer: 61 percent
Pondera: 61 percent
Cascade: 61 percent
Silver Bow: 61 percent
In Flathead County, according the Bureau, the response rate is well below the state average at 49 percent. In neighboring Lake County, just 29 percent of census forms have been returned. Here are the counties with the worst participation rates in the state:
Lake County: 29 percent
Granite County: 23 percent
Madison County: 33 percent
Meagher County: 40 percent
Big Horn and Mineral County: 41 percent