For each uncounted person in the decennial census count, Detroit stands to lose an estimated $5,500 — or $55,000 over 10 years — in federal aid, according to city estimates. Detroit receives about $3 billion in funding for federal programs each year. Those federal programs range from Medicare and free lunch at schools to Head Start and roads. The counts help set hospital funding, and could determine how much of the coronavirus vaccine goes to communities once one is developed.

Here is the online link to the Census form. It should take less than 10 minutes to complete.

The 2020 Census will also be used to draw congressional and state legislative districts. So far, the city estimates 45.8 percent of residents have filled out the 2020 Census forms. That’s one of the lowest response rates in the state, while Michigan’s is at 66.4 percent, one of the highest in the nation. The city of Detroit’s government website has an interactive map showing various parts of the city and the percentage of residents in that area who have filled out the Census forms.

BecountedDetroit.org is the city government’s page that includes links to the online form and a number of videos and other information stressing the importance of the count. 

The group DataDrivenDetroit has put together an easy to understand page explaining what’s at stake with the 2020 Census, including steps on how to get involved and help with the count.