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By Joseph A. Curtatone

Taking a closer look at notable city data – and interesting numbers. 

10 years: Every 10 years there is a national census and the data collected each decade has far-reaching effects. The next census is happening in 2020 and we’ve already started work to make sure our results are as accurate as possible. One reason that’s important is that it affects representation – the number of seats each state gets in the House of Representatives is based on population, so an accurate census means each state gets the seats it is entitled to. Census data is also used for establishing districts for state legislature, and is even used by businesses and organizations when making decisions about where to locate offices or other facilities. Just as important, U.S. Census counts determine federal funding amounts over the next 10 years.

13 seconds: When you factor in births, deaths, and immigration, the United States gains one person every 13 seconds. Rates of population change fluctuate over time, but it’s easy to see how there could be some major shifts over 10 years. Between the 2000 and 2010 censuses, the national population rose 9.7% – that’s more than 27 million people.

7 questions: On the 2020 census there are seven questions for each household member to fill out. They include things like name, sex, age, and race. If you’ve been following news about the upcoming census, you may have heard about the inclusion of a citizenship question, but after a Supreme Court ruling, that question will not be on the 2020 census.

73%: About half of Somerville’s census tracts are in the hardest to count category, meaning response rates were below 73% in the last census. In an effort to get the most accurate census information in 2020, we’ll be doing targeted outreach to traditionally hard-to-count populations including recent immigrants, renters, students, seniors, persons with disabilities, and low-income households. The 2020 census will be the first time that responses will be collected primarily online, so residents who aren’t comfortable going online or who don’t have internet access with need additional outreach and support. Given that the census only comes around once a decade and how important it is, we want to do what we can to make sure everyone is counted.

A few more days: To help with outreach to hard-to-count populations, the City has formed a 2020 U.S. Census Complete Count Committee and we’re looking for residents with connections to those communities to join. The deadline to apply is Monday, September 23, and you can learn more about the work the committee will be doing at www.somervillema.gov/completecount. We’re also looking for volunteers who will help support the work of the committee. If you’re interested in volunteering, please email tko@somervilleam.gov with “Complete Count Volunteer” in the subject line.

Data-based decision making is at the core of how the City of Somerville develops policy and sets priorities. Every day we check the latest 311 stats, and throughout the week we meet for in-depth review of departmental data and city trends. The Data Download column shares some of the data we’ve been reviewing recently, as well as interesting updates. To see more Somerville Data, visit the online Somerville Data Farm at www.somervillema.gov/datafarm.