RALEIGH — The recent news that the U.S. Census Bureau will be ending its effort to gather census information one month early puts Scotland County and North Carolina under pressure to quickly improve their numbers.
According to the latest data released this week by the U.S. Census Bureau, the county’s self-response rate stands at 53.2% of households, which trails the statewide rate of 59% and is well behind the last census year of 2010 when Scotland County recorded a 60% response rate.
The county is currently ranked No. 61 among the state’s 100 counties, it’s lowest ranking since census reporting began in March.
The recent data shows that 29.3% of Scotland County households have responded online, versus 46.1% statewide; and 23.9% of Scotland County households have responded by mail or telephone, versus 12.9% statewide.
At least 50% of households have responded in nearly three-fourths of all NC counties. In total, 74 counties out of 100 have a response rate of 50% or higher.
In the state
Union County continues to lead all North Carolina counties with a response rate of 70.5%; Avery County has the lowest response rate in the state at 29.3%.
North Carolina’s response rate places it No. 35 among the 50 states and District of Columbia.
Response rates for other southern states include: South Carolina at 41.1%; Georgia at 58.9%; Virginia at 67%; Tennessee at 60.2%; Florida at 60.1%; Alabama at 58.2%; and Mississippi at 61.3%.
The overall national response rate, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, currently stands at 62.8%.
W. Curt Vincent can be reached at 910-506-3023 or cvincent@laurinburgexch.wpenginepowered.com.