Sandy Springs starts Census challenge to increase response rate

Less than half the residents in Sandy Springs have responded to the U.S. Census, according to 2020census.gov. The response rate is lower than other north Fulton cities. Now, Sandy Springs has started a challenge to encourage residents to complete the survey.

The Raise Your Hand Sandy Springs Challenge asks people to complete the survey online, by phone, or mail, then post a selfie photo with a raised hand on the city’s Facebook page. The post would be tagged with #raiseyourhandsandysprings. The challenge also suggests tagging friends in the post to encourage them to complete the census.

A U.S. Census map currently shows the Sandy Springs response rate to the survey is less than 48% and matches the overall rate for Georgia.

Response rates in Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton and Mountain Park are significantly higher. About 60% of Roswell, Alpharetta and Milton residents have responded, according to the map. More than half of the residents in Mountain Park have replied.

The U.S. Census deadline has been extended to mid-August. Census takers will visit homes that haven’t responded to the survey between May 27-August 14.

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Adrianne Murchison

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