HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — The 2020 United Stats census is a big deal for counties like Houston that have seen lots of growth over the last 10 years.
Connie Fiorani says she's seen some of that.
"I moved down to Warner Robins in 2012. You can see I'm from Maryland. I'm a Baltimore Ravens fan," she said pointing at her Baltimore Ravens shirt.
This will be her first time filling out a census in Houston County. Fiorani is one of thousands who moved to Houston County since 2010.
This is one reason why Jacob Cox, chairman of the county's Complete Count Committee, says it's so important for people to participate in the census.
"It benefits us all through power, money, benefits, and business. For Houston County, its benefits for the local school board -- free and reduced lunches, Title I -- that's all based on the census," Cox said.
It also determines political representation like districts being redrawn. The census may help draw out-of-town businesses into the county since companies often refer to census data.
So when should you expect to receive it in the mail?
"You should be getting something in the mail by mid- to late March," Cox said.
This year, the postcard will direct you to a website to fill out the census form.
"If you don't have the internet or don't like the internet, you can fill it out on a paper copy," Cox said.
How soon do you need to fill it out once you receive it?
"The short answer is get it back in a couple of days," Cox said.
But if you don't answer it by summer or early fall, Cox says a census-taker will show up to your front door.
"If you don't want anyone knocking on your door, turn it in as soon as possible," he said.
Cox says 74 percent of Houston County residents participated in the 2010 census. They hope to have at least 90 percent participate in this year's census.
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