Cape response to U.S. Census above average, could be better

Cape Elizabeth's response to the 2020 Census has been above average, but could be better.

As of May 18, 74.5 percent of Cape Elizabeth residents have responded to the Census either online, by mail or by phone, according to the self-response tool published by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Census Response Rankings as of May 18, 2020

View Rankings | Complete the Census

Cape Elizabeth was tied with Cumberland for the second-highest response rate in Maine as of May 18, behind No. 1 North Yarmouth at 77.8 percent.

The response is favorable compared to the statewide rate of 50 percent, but because the census helps determine federal funding for schools, roads emergency response and other services, the town is encouraging those who have not yet done so to complete the 2020 Census.

"In these unprecedented times, obtaining a complete and accurate count is more important than ever," said Census Bureau field reprsentative Mitchell Stein. "For the next 10 years, federal allocations will be based on the results of the 2020 census. As we move forward from the disruptions of COVID-19, those allocations will be critical to our recovery."

You can keep tabs on how Cape is doing on the Census Bureau's response-rate web page. https://2020census.gov/en/response-rates.html

For more information and to respond to the 2020 Census, please see the Census home page. https://2020census.gov/

Cape Elizabeth residents with concerns or questions about the U.S. Census may contact any of the following:

  • Clinton Swett, Cape Elizabeth Tax Assessor                                 
    (207) 799-1619
    clinton.swett@capeelizabeth.org                     
  • Mitchell Stein, Partnership Specialist
    Field Division/New York Regional Census Ctr.
    (207) 317-3831
    mitchell.h.stein@2020census.gov
  • Elizabeth (Betsy) Enright, Partnership Specialist
    Field Division/New York Regional Census Ctr.
    (802) 233-1548
    elizabeth.enright@2020census.gov
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