GR exceeds census return rate

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - If you live in the city and didn't mail back your census form, you're in the minority.

Residents of Grand Rapids beat the national participation rate in census returns, registering a 76% return rate. That's up 5% from the 2000 census.

Now through early July, census workers will go door-to-door to reach those who did not return a form. All census takers carry an official badge and a shoulder bag that both have the Department of Commerce seal. They will also present their official census ID before asking people to complete the questionnaire.

The census taker will only ask questions that appear on the form. They will not ask for your Social Security number, a bank account number or credit card number, and they will never solicit for donations or contact you by e-mail.

In a statement, Mayor George Heartwell said an accurate census count "will ensure that we receive our fair share of federal dollars for important community services such as roads, schools and emergency services."

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