The census is never perfect, but it has become more accurate over time. In 2010, there was a statistically-insignificant net national overcount, meaning that the number of people over counted was not significant and that the population count as a whole was considered accurate. However, undercounts of specific population subgroups are a recurring challenge, with some groups missed at disproportionately high rates as opposed to other groups which are often overcounted.
These inaccuracies in the census can have negative implications both for these communities and their respective municipal governments.
This Census Complete Count Committee hopes to play a critical role in reducing undercounts in Payne County by helping the Census Bureau identify and focus on hard-to-count (HTC) communities. This map shows where HTC populations are located.
Language barriers
Mistrust in government
Privacy/cybersecurity concerns
Physical barriers such as inaccessible multifamily units and gated communities
Non-traditional living arrangements
Lack of reliable broadband or internet access
Children under 5 years old
Racial and ethnic minorities
Non-English speakers n Immigrants
Renters and residents who move often
Alternative or overcrowded housing units
Gated communities and publicly inaccessible multifamily units
Persons displaced by natural disasters
Persons experiencing homelessness (read How the 2020 Census Counts People Experiencing Homelessness)
Young mobile adults
Single-parent headed households
Stacy Delano, Stillwater Public Library Director
Becky Taylor
Yuki Clark
Norman Jeanne Shamblin
Suzette Barta
