
Despite a prolonged self-response period due to the COVID-19 health crisis, the response rate to the 2020 U.S. Census in Marin has lagged behind prior decades, according to Stephanie McNally, a senior policy manager for the Canal Alliance who was contracted to do countywide U.S. Census outreach.
McNally said the current response rate to the 2020 U.S. Census is 62.10 percent nationally, 63 percent throughout California and 70.9 percent in Marin, which is "just slightly above 2010 response rate," she said, noting that two of the trouble spots were in San Rafael, particularly the Canal district, as well as West Marin. Marin City was ahead of its response rate in 2010, she added.
McNally said the current response rate to the 2020 U.S. Census is 62.10 percent nationally, 63 percent throughout California and 70.9 percent in Marin, which is "just slightly above 2010 response rate," she said, noting that two of the trouble spots were in San Rafael, particularly the Canal district, as well as West Marin. Marin City was ahead of its response rate in 2010, she added.

In early August, the process kicks into a new phase, with census takers physically going out around county to those addresses that did not respond to the census by phone online or mail.
McNalley said the Census' current messaging is to "respond before the door knock" and that "participation in the Census affects the resources and representation that directly benefit your community for the next decade."
McNalley noted that Census takers must carry a photo ID and badge, are never allowed to ask you about your finances, immigration status or Social Security number. "It is also against the law for them to share your answers with anyone, including your landlord, employers or any other government agency," she added. Residents can verify the identity of a U.S. Census worker by calling 213.314.6500.
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McNalley said the Census' current messaging is to "respond before the door knock" and that "participation in the Census affects the resources and representation that directly benefit your community for the next decade."
McNalley noted that Census takers must carry a photo ID and badge, are never allowed to ask you about your finances, immigration status or Social Security number. "It is also against the law for them to share your answers with anyone, including your landlord, employers or any other government agency," she added. Residents can verify the identity of a U.S. Census worker by calling 213.314.6500.
MORE INFO.