Census officials focus on secondary homeowners in Worcester County

(June 2, 2020) U.S. Census officials continue to underscore the importance of taking part in the survey this year, which will help determine federal funding to local communities for health care, transportation, education, and other community services for the next decade. 

Recent Census statistics show that Census response rates in Ocean Pines and throughout the county continue to lag behind 2010 levels. 

The last time the U.S. Census was conducted, in 2010, Worcester County was among the lowest response rates in Maryland, with just 33.2% self-responding, compared to a 69.5% statewide average, according to https://2020census.gov/en/response-rates.html.   

Hard to reach populations such as children under 5, veterans, the elderly, and low socio-economic and non-English speaking people are the focus of local Census efforts. 

However, Worcester County officials are also focused on reaching part-time residents. Kelly Henry, Worcester County’s Complete Count Coordinator, said more than 60 percent of the homes in the county are considered “vacant” or secondary homes, because of the resort nature of the area.

“While the highest number of vacant/secondary homes are in Ocean City, there are also large numbers in South Point, Ocean Pines and West Ocean City,” Henry said. “There are still many areas throughout the county where residents, both primary and secondary homeowners, need to respond to the survey.”

She added that the deadline to complete the Census was recently extended, from July 31 to Oct. 31, meaning there’s more time to try and reach those who have yet to participate.

“For both primary and secondary homeowners, it is vitally important to complete the 2020 Census survey received at their Worcester County residence,” Henry said. “The U.S. Census Bureau wants to assure that all housing units are contacted and the occupants properly counted.  So, even secondary homeowners should respond, even though they have completed the Census at their primary residence.”

Information on completing the 2020 Census can be found online at https://my2020census.gov, or by calling 844-330-2020. 

“Please consider taking 10 minutes to complete the survey at your primary residence and respond to the survey received at your secondary home as well. It will benefit our community for the next 10 years.” Henry said.