As the COVID-19 pandemic continues limiting activities for area residents, Baxter County Judge Mickey Pendergrass and Mountain Home Mayor Hillrey Adams have a request. Both say its a great opportunity to complete the Census 2020 form.
Last week, both Judge Pendergrass and Mayor Adams released information indicating area residents are leading the way state-wide in completing the census. But they challenge those who have not completed the process to take a moment to do so.
Judge Pendergrass is among 30 volunteers across the state appointed by Gov. Asa Hutchinson to the Arkansas Complete Count Committee last October to promote statewide participation in the Census 2020. Pendergrass is the lone county judge serving on the committee.
He says following a Complete Count Committee Wednesday the self-response rate for Baxter County stood at 50.2%, tops in the state, with the city of Mountain Home at 59.7%. About half of the responses were made via the internet.
The response rate of other counties in North Central Arkansas puts Boone with the 17th highest at 46%, followed by Stone at 48th, with 38.5%; Fulton at 51st, with 37.1%; Marion at 71st, with 28.4%; Izard at 74th, with 20.5%; and Newton at 75th, with 7.7% responding.
Of Missouri’s 113 counties, Ozark ranks 103rd, with 26.9% responding.
The high response rate in Baxter County follows a historical trend, as Judge Pendergrass noted in an earlier interview with KTLO, Classic Hits and The Boot News. At that time, Pendergrass stressed the importance of continuing the legacy.
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Judge Pendergrass explains why it’s crucial the census count is complete.
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The release of the data last week follows the April 1 target date for completion of the Census 2020. For those who have not responded, Pendergrass says the process now moves to the next stage.
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In a post to his Facebook account, Mayor Adams says, “Way to go Baxter County leading in the top three in the state for census response to far! Thank you for taking the time to complete your census questionnaire! This is very important for our community!”
Mayor Adams notes to see which states, counties and cities rank the highest, check out the ranking dashboard.
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