Apalachicola exceeds 2000 Census participation rate

Today, the City of Apalachicola 2010 U.S. Census participation rate hit 63 percent, exceeding its 2000 rate by 9 percent. As local residents leisurely mail back their forms, Apalachicola is positioned to greatly surpass the 54 percent rate achieved during the last census.

The residents of the city who have participated thus far are to be commended for a remarkable display of civic participation, a commitment to the common good that exceeds all expectations.

Today’s achievement is even more impressive within the context of a decade of declining participation in surveys of all kinds, both public and private.

However, 63 percent is not the final return rate, and the U.S. Census Bureau has promised to let the American public know when the final rate is announced.

The high level of local participation will certainly save money and make the door-to-door count in May easier to complete.