More than 73.2 percent of households in Lancaster County have already responded to the census. The overall schedule for the census data collection has changed in response to the pandemic. The Census Bureau extended the window for self-response and field data collection to October 31. Responding is quick, easy, safe and secure. Households that have not yet replied are encouraged to respond online now at 2020Census.gov, by calling 844-330-2020 or by completing the mail-in questionnaire. Beginning in mid-August, census takers will visit and interview households that haven’t responded yet to ensure everyone is counted.

“The best response is self-response,” says John Buffone, a media specialist for the Philadelphia Regional Census Office. “We encourage every household to respond via online, phone or mail to take an active role in the funding and congressional representation of their communities. Every response is important in a decennial census.”

For more information, visit 2020Census.gov.