Why the Census Matters for King County Communities
The 2020 Census is upon us! Beginning in March, residents started receiving information in the mail about the 2020 Census. There is a large effort in King County and across Washington to get the word out about the census and why it is important that every resident is counted. Participation in the census matters since it will impact our region and communities for the next decade. We had the opportunity to sit down with King County Census Program Manager, HyeEun Park to learn more about the importance of a complete count in King County.
Communities Count (CC): Why is participation in the 2020 Census important for King County Communities?
HyeEun Park (HP): Gathering accurate and complete census data in King County has wide-ranging, long-term impacts throughout the county and state. The federal government uses census data to distribute more than $800 billion in health, education, and infrastructure funds to states, counties, and cities, including funding for health, education, housing, rural assistance and transportation programs.
CC: Wow, that is a huge amount of money. What is at stake at the local level?
HP: The Decennial Census is a snapshot in time that will affect the next decade. If the picture comes out "blurry" due to an incomplete count of all residents, Washington state will lose about $5.8 million over ten years for every 100 households missed in the count.
The census determines the appropriation of funding for many federal programs that are based on population. An undercount of residents can mean losing funds directed towards essential programs such as Medicaid and WIC (Women Infant and Children). The decennial census also determines the allocation of U.S. House of Representative seats. So an undercount can also impact our political representation. For example, Washington’s population grew 14.1 percent in 2010, which earned Washington a tenth congressional seat.
CC: What are some of the anticipated equity challenges for King County during the 2020 Census?
HP: Accurate Decennial Census results are essential for the equitable distribution of federal program resources. King County wants to ensure that we’re counting all residents, prioritizing those that are considered part of historically undercounted communities, also known as Hard-to-Count (HTC) communities. Hard-to-Count is defined as a census tract where the percentage of households that mailed back their 2010 census questionnaire (self-response rate) was 73% or less.
In King County, 49 census tracts across 13 cities have been identified as HTC communities. 62% of the population in King County’s HTC communities represent people of color and 40% of the population in these communities are at or near poverty level. An undercount of HTC communities could mean fewer available resources for programs that are vital to communities and potentially exacerbate disparities. Areas shaded darker are more likely to be undercounted.
CC: What are the main concerns about the 2020 Census among King County communities?
HP: There are a number of concerns, including:
Citizenship Question
One of the biggest equity challenges was the citizenship question. There will not be a citizenship question on the 2020 Census form. Importantly, we need to make sure that foreign-born residents and those who speak a language other than English at home participate in the Census. King County’s immigrant population grew 74% between 2000 and 2017. More than half a million residents are foreign-born, with immigrants accounting for 24% of King County’s population. Roughly 28% of King County residents speak a language other than English at home.
Privacy and Protection of Data
Title 13, US Code protects the confidentiality of Census data. Under current federal law, the bureau cannot share census responses identifying individuals with the public or other federal agencies, including immigration authorities and other law enforcement, until 72 years after the information is collected. The Census Bureau can release anonymized census data about specific demographic groups at a level as detailed as a neighborhood.
Digital Divide
The online and digital divide is also a concern since for the first time, the census will be conducted primarily online. Additionally, confidentiality and privacy concerns persist. The 2020 Census Form will only be provided in hard copy form to a small percentage of households, and only to households that do not respond online after repeated invitations. Ability to complete the form will rely on an individual’s ability to access and use the internet.
An online survey conducted in a country with a significant digital divide underscores the high risk that Hard-to-Count communities will be undercounted, including communities of color, immigrants and refugees, older adults and low-income populations. In King County, we know that several communities and municipalities also face a digital divide. Addressing digital and language access will be critical in ensuring a fair and accurate 2020 Census count.
CC: What strategies are being used to address concerns and encourage participation? What local organizing efforts are part of the mobilization efforts?
HP: Local governments, including King County and the City of Seattle, have partnered with the Seattle Foundation to create the Regional Census Fund. The Regional Census Fund was established to grant out dollars for census outreach and engagement efforts, particularly in historically undercounted communities.
King County formed a King County Regional Census Committee (KCRCC). King County is collaborating with the City of Seattle and other cities within the County to convene the KCRCC. The Committee is made up of about 30 leaders from a variety of relevant sectors representing partnerships across a range of organizations.
The County has also created supporting sub-regional tables to advance geographically specific efforts around the county. These tables will function as spaces where individuals or organizations not serving on the KCRCC or an accompanying subcommittee can regularly participate in an effort to ensure an accurate and complete Census count.
CC: How can communities and individuals get involved in helping to get local communities counted?
HP: A decennial census is a critical event where individuals, organizations, and coalitions or networks can contribute and participate. Whether people act as service providers, operate a business, lead community organizations, work within a government, or serve as a health provider or educator, everyone can do something to help raise awareness in their communities about the Census to ensure there is a full count in our region.
Phillip Shin with APACE Washington conducting outreach about the 2020 Census at the Seattle Asian American Film Festival.
Those that want to get more involved can join a Complete Count subcommittee, sub-regional committee (King County has North, East and South region committees) or get involved with the Washington Census Alliance, a coalition of over 70 organizations led by people of color from across the state, with a goal of “a fair and accurate 2020 Census count to ensure funding and representation for everyone who lives here.”
Census Links and Resources
Local Supports:
National Census Resources and Data: