Anderson County’s self-response rate for the 2020 census is 66.5%; the fifth highest self-response rate among counties in South Carolina (trailing York, Lancaster, Lexington, Dorchester, and Greenville).
Statewide the self-response rate is 59.7%; nationwide the self-response rate is 65.8%
EVERY COUNTY IN SOUTH CAROLINA HAS A 2020 SELF-RESPONSE RATE THAT IS LOWER THAN THE 2010 SELF-RESPONSE RATE
Right now, Anderson County’s self-response rate is 1.7% lower than the 2010 rate with 15 days remaining in the self-response period
In Anderson County:
The lowest response rates among towns are in Iva (44.8%) and Starr (50.0%)
Lowest response rates among census tracts are:
Tract 6 (Southern portion of Anderson City Limits; parts of the Morningside Community)
Tract 7.01 (Western portion of Anderson City Limits; Booker Street)
Trach 7.02 (Southern portion of Anderson City Limits; Orr Mill)
Self-response rates in the Homeland Park area crossed the 50% threshold this past weekend
Various efforts have helped substantially increase self-response rates in low-response areas over the past month
STRATEGIES EMPLOYED
Anderson County’s efforts have focused upon reaching populations that have barriers to completing the census (no computer; no computer skills; no home internet)—these persons are traditionally low-to-moderate income or senior citizens
Also—many people have unstable/transient housing due to job loss or relocation; a number of people report not receiving census notifications via the mail
Direct outreach using Chromebooks at food pantries, job fairs, and other events throughout Anderson County
Worked with Café Y Mamas and others serving Spanish-language population groups
Posted notices and held events at churches and other organizations; also Dollar Generals throughout the county and other community stores
Worked with school districts, particularly McKinney-Vento homeless coordinators
Targeted senior housing communities
Ongoing social media presence
