In the first month of the 2020 census, more than half of Island County residents have responded to the survey.

As of April 13, Island County has a response rate of 52 percent, just below Washington’s average 53 percent, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

“The goal is for households to do self response online or the toll free,” Dana Sawyers, partnership specialist form the Census Bureau, said in an email. “It’s safe during the current crisis and this self response saves resources.”

The census is mandated by the Constitution and conducted once every 10 years. The census collects data that determines congressional representation and how federal funding is distributed.

“The population data influences schools, infrastructure, hospitals, transportation, businesses, housing and so much more,” Sawyers said.