Every 10 years, the government conducts a national census to get a head count of everyone who resides in the United States. The Census counts people of all ages and races to get an accurate measure of the population.
Getting an accurate population count is critically important. The population count determines:
- The number of seats each state has in the House of Representatives
- How the Federal and State legislative lines are redrawn
- The total amount that is dedicated to federally funded programs
The 2020 Census in Routt County
The 2020 Census is especially important for local Counties. Routt County uses the census count when applying for funding for local programs.
The Census in Colorado
As a state, Colorado is estimated to receive over $1,481 per person annually from the federal government. This makes getting an important count especially important. Census dollars help fund programs including:
- Title 1 grants to educational agencies
- Head Start programs
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Transportation projects including public transit, road rehabilitation and construction
- Emergency food and shelter
- Health and human services programs