Indiana finished among the top five states in returning 2010 census forms, the U.S. Census Bureau reported Wednesday.
Among Hoosier households, 78 percent mailed back their questionnaires. Beginning this week, those who did not return the form should expect a visit from a census-taker, who will collect the information.
Only Wisconsin (81 percent) and Minnesota (80 percent) had better results. Iowa tied with Indiana for third place and Michigan rounded out the top five with a return rate of 77 percent.
The national rate of 72 percent matched the last census count in 2000. A final mail-in tally will be released this fall.
The same national response rate pleased census officials who Wednesday cited “trends over the past decade toward declining survey participation, a more diverse population, a difficult economic environment and a growing distrust of government.”
Among the nation’s cities with populations of 50,000 or more, Carmel, north of Indianapolis, finished fifth with a return rate of 85 percent.
Generally, the Midwest responded well to the survey. Still, only two of five Indiana counties improved on their 2000 census return rates.
Locally, the rates were 78 percent in Allen County and 77 percent in Fort Wayne.
