Macomb tops Census response

Region sits above all other similarly-sized U.S. counties; officials announce solid 81.8% rate

The rate at which Macomb County residents returned 2020 census information was so successful, the county has landed at the top of a nationwide list for response rates among counties with more than 500,000 people.

On Wednesday, Macomb County announced its final census response rate as 81.8%, tops for similar or larger-sized communities.

“By filling out census 2020, Macomb will bring back ourmoney,” Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel said. “We had incredible support from our communities and other partners to make sure every household knew how important it was to be counted.”

Macomb’s 2020 census numbers show a jump from the last count. In 2010, the county’s final response rate was 75.4%. This year, the county saw an increase of more than 6%.

“We are really pleased with the turnout for this year’s census because every person counted impacts the amount of dollars we receive back from the federal government,” said Ernest Cawvey, director, Macomb Community Action. “Census data is used to determine funding for infrastructure, health care programs, schools, housing and a number of other important areas. This year’s count will help our state in better serving our residents.”

Other notable figures from Macomb’s 2020 census count include:

• MacombCounty andthe state of Michigan were well above the

national census response rate average, which stands at 67%. Michigan’s total response rate was 71.3%.

• All 27 Macomb County communities had response rates above the state average.

• Macomb County had the second- highest response rate out of all counties in Michigan. Only Livingston County, which had a response rate of 82.5%, ranked higher.

• The state of Michigan ranked eighth in the nation for census self-response.