Every ten years, the federal government conducts a census to determine how many people live in the United States. The survey asks a few simple questions like how many people live in your household and their age, sex, and race.

Census Impact on Indian River County

Each person counted is approximately $1,900 per person per year in funding to come into Indian River County for programs, schools, roadways, and other critical services.

“If we do not get counted now, that money will be lost for 10 years until the next census. Additionally, the census is how we set congressional seats. If we want our voice to be heard in Washington, we need to be counted, Sebastian City Manager Paul Carlisle told Sebastian Daily.

“Currently, Florida is behind in the Census count. An accurate count of Indian River County is vital to ensure we receive our correct percentage of $675 billion in federal funds,” Carlisle added.

Extended Deadine

The U.S. Census Bureau has extended the census deadline. Due to COVID-19, the U.S. Census Bureau has had to stop all door-to-door transactions.

“Now that they have moved the deadline for the census to October 31, 2020, it is important that we all participate and answer the census,” Carlisle explained.

It only takes a couple of minutes to fill out the census and make a considerable difference in Indian River County.

Complete your 2020 Census by October 31: online at https://my2020census.gov/, call 844-330-2020 for English, 844-268-2020 for Spanish, or mail in your questionnaire.

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