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In Numbers
The Decennial Census in West Virginia
The U.S. Constitution requires that a census of America’s population be taken each decade. The information provided by the
2020 census will determine how many representatives each state has in Congress and be used to redraw district boundaries.
Communities also rely on census data to plan for things like where to build new roads and schools and where emergency
services are needed. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the federal government distributes more than $675 billion annually
to states and communities based on census data. The Mountain State loses $2,755 for every West Virginian who does not get
counted in the census, which has a direct impact on the budgets for education, health care, SNAP benefits and more.
Census Participation Rates
West Virginia has a lower census participation rate than surrounding states.
79% 78%
2000
2010
68%
78% 77%
76%
78%
76% 76%
77%
72%
65%
West Virginia
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Virginia
Maryland
Kentucky
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Due to population loss and
inaccurate census data,
West Virginia is at
risk of losing its 3rd
Congressional District.
$6,760,055,573
Federal funding received by
West Virginia in Fiscal Year 2016
based on 2010 census data
Source: George Washington Institute of Public Policy
Source: Healthy Kids and Families Coalition
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2020 Census Timeline
WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE
Source: U.S. Census Bureau