Census Bureau needs snowbird counts

For Minnesota to achieve a full and accurate count in the 2020 Decennial Census, complete responses from “snowbirds” is needed. So the Minnesota Demographic Center is celebrating “Text our Snowbirds Day” on Friday, March 13.

The public’s participation is encouraged to help raise awareness of census response guidelines for those who have multiple residences. Minnesota is home to over 44,000 “snowbirds”, or people who call this state home, but live elsewhere for a portion of the colder months. Friends and relatives of these “snowbirds” can help spread the word by taking part in the “Text Our Snowbirds Day” on March 13.

Participants will send text messages to “snowbirds”, encouraging them to respond to the census and to report their address as their usual residence, even if they are elsewhere when they respond.

Census Bureau guidelines require that you identify your usual residence in your census response as that is the place you reside the majority of the time. By accurately reporting your usual residence to the Census Bureau, you can help ensure that your home state gets the funding it needs for hospitals, schools and roads. Census responses will also impact the state’s congressional representation. In early March, the Census Bureau will send mail to households across the country, inviting residents to respond to the census online or by phone.

In mid-April, forms will be mailed to people who have not yet responded. Beginning March 12, “snowbirds” can easily respond to the census online by visiting my2020census.gov or by phone at (844) 330-2020.

“Snowbirds” often receive census forms at both their usual and seasonal residences, but are urged to use the form that is mailed to their Minnesota residence.

To learn more, visit mn.gov/admin/demography or follow MN2020Census on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.