(Trenton, N.J.) – Secretary of State Tahesha Way announced today that more than 60 percent of New Jersey households have responded to the 2020 U.S. Census, even as the U.S. Census Bureau has delayed some of its operations to protect the health and safety of its staff and the public due to the COVID-19 crisis.

New Jersey’s response rate – 60.4 percent – exceeded the national average of 58.6 percent, as of data collected through May 10, 2020. Nationally, 86.6 million households nationwide have responded to the 2020 U.S. Census since invitations were mailed out mid-March, according to the 2020 U.S. Census website.

“I’m pleased with New Jersey’s response to date. We’re working hard to get out the count – but we still have much to do,” said Secretary Way. “This is a once-in-a-decade opportunity that gives residents a chance to shape their future. Since Census data helps inform federal funding and our representation in Congress, we need all residents to understand the importance of the Census, spread the word and, most importantly, fill it out.”

As New Jersey residents endure the COVID-19 outbreak, the New Jersey Complete Count Commission, a non-partisan commission comprised of leaders from government, business, faith and the community, has stressed the ease and importance of completing the Census online. This is the first year the Census has been made available online, and online responses account for a majority of New Jersey’s total responses to date (51.9 percent). In-person activities, including all public events, enumeration, office work and processing activities have been postponed until June 1 by the U.S. Census Bureau.

“I’m grateful for the flexibility, enthusiasm and hard work of our team and the New Jersey Complete Count Commission,” said Secretary Way. “I’m confident all the residents of our great state will help spread the word to ensure our diverse and wonderful communities are counted.”

A clear majority (16) of New Jersey counties individually have self-response rates that meet or surpass the nation’s average rate. The current response rates for all 21 counties are:

• Atlantic County: 52.4 percent
• Bergen County: 66.5 percent
• Burlington County: 68.8 percent
• Camden County: 62.4 percent
• Cape May County: 27.5 percent
• Cumberland County: 57.6 percent
• Essex County: 52.3 percent
• Gloucester County: 66.8 percent
• Hudson County: 49 percent
• Hunterdon County:  70 percent
• Mercer County: 61.7 percent
• Middlesex County: 64.6 percent
• Monmouth County: 64 percent
• Morris County: 69.7 percent
• Ocean County: 58.9 percent
• Passaic County: 58.7 percent
• Salem County: 59.2 percent
• Somerset County: 67.9 percent
• Sussex County: 63 percent
• Union County: 61.9 percent
• Warren County: 65.5 percent

Responses from the 2020 U.S. Census help determine where more than $45 billion in annual federal funds to New Jersey goes to help with much-needed community improvements, including for clinics, schools, roads and more. Responses are also used to redraw legislative districts and determine the number of seats New Jersey has in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The 2020 Census is open to all household to complete online at 2020CENSUS.GOV, over the phone by calling 844-330-2020 and by paper through the mail. Residents who do not have their unique 12-digit number, received on a Census invitation mailed to their home, can still complete the census online at 2020CENSUS.GOV.

For more information, visit CENSUS.NJ.GOV.

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