The Mad River Valley Planning District sent this Q&A on the federal census to its member towns of Warren, Waitsfield and Fayston. It was prepared by executive director Joshua Schwartz and community planner Kati Gallagher based on questions they have received.
We're writing with the intention to provide clarity on questions we've heard raised recently in regard to the census, specifically surrounding seasonal homeowners. The questions seem to fit in one of three types:
- I haven’t received a questionnaire. Do I need to fill out the census?
- Should seasonal homeowners fill out the census for their seasonal homes?
- Are the low census response rates within the MRV towns due to the existence of second homes?
We dug into these questions, speaking with both Michael Moser, director of the VT State Data Center, and Robert Perry, census response representative in the MRV (CC’d on this message).
- I haven’t received a questionnaire. Do I need to fill out the census?
Yes, a census form should be filled out for every home. Whether or not someone has received a questionnaire/invitation, the easiest method is to use the online form at https://my2020census.gov. No invitation or ID is necessary. Just visit the website and type in one’s address. It’s worth noting that census invitations have only been sent to street addresses. Those that utilize P.O. boxes will not receive the questionnaire by mail (due to the fact that P.O. boxes aren’t tied to housing units).
- Should seasonal homeowners fill out the census for their seasonal homes?
Yes, seasonal homeowners are asked to fill out a form for their second home in addition to their primary home. They are instructed to fill out a "0" (zero) for occupants at that address if it is currently vacant, seasonal or otherwise. This is in addition to filling out a form for their primary home, aka their “usual residence.” Full directions on how to fill out the form is available on the new Seasonal Home Informational Flyer from the census at https://mrvpd.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Seasonal-Home-Informational-Flyer.pdf. Online responses for seasonal homes ensures an accurate count as well as saves time, effort and risk to census employees that would otherwise visit these properties.
- Are the low census response rates within the MRV towns due to the existence of second homes?
Current response rates for MRV towns are in fact quite low. Here are the most recent numbers according to the census self-response rate map: Warren, 14.7%; Fayston, 32.6%; Waitsfield, 46%; Vermont, 49.2%; U.S., 58.1%. The prevalence of second homes contributes to these numbers. All housing units are included in the self-response rate calculations at this time. These calculations will be updated and verified by either a returned form (see No. 2 above) or field verification. Census employees are planning on being back in the field in Vermont as early as next week (leaving forms on doors, no personal contact).
