Perdue, Bev. Press Release, 2010-05-06, Gov. Perdue Announces North Carolina Leads the Nation in Increased Census Participation

              BEVERLY EAVES PERDUE
GOVERNOR
STA
ATE OF NORTH CAROLINOFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
20301 MAIL SERVICE CENTER • RALEIGH, NC 27699‐0301
May 6, 2010
Contact: Chrissy Pearson
Office: (919) 733‐5612
Gov. Perdue Announces North Carolina Leads the Nation in Increased Census Participation
N.C. Census Participation Rate Surpasses 2000 Census Level and Exceeds National Rate
Raleigh – Gov. Bev Perdue today announced that North Carolina lead the nation in improved Census participation between the 2000 Census and the 2010 Census, with an 8 point increase. North Carolina’s Census Participation Rate was 74% -- meaning nearly three-quarters of North Carolina households completed and mailed back their census questionnaires. In 2000, North Carolina had a 66% participation rate.
“North Carolina continues to be one of the fastest growing states in the country so counting every resident is critical to our future,” said Gov. Bev Perdue. “Census data is the basis for the NC State Demographer’s projections, which are used to determine the distribution of state funds. Based on recent estimates, the state will receive approximately $15,000 in federal funding per person counted over the next 10 years.”
In addition to the eight percent increase, North Carolina also exceeded the National Census Participation Rate of 72 percent.
“I commend the North Carolina Complete Count Committee, local census committees, and volunteers from around the state in helping North Carolina improve our census participation rate. We have had a great team effort between federal, state and local levels,” said Perdue.
If you haven’t completed the Census yet, there is still time to do your part for our state and your community.” Door-to-door operations began Saturday, May 1. Governor Perdue encourages those who have not participated in the 2010 Census to cooperate with Census workers over the next few weeks.