By Chris Bavender
There’s still four years until the next U.S. census, but because of the growth it’s seen in the last five years, Whitestown will have a special census this year.
Now, the town is looking for 110 census workers to make sure every resident is counted.
“Per federal law, a census is only done once per decade. 2010 was the last one; 2020 will be the next scheduled one,” Whitestown Town Manager Dax Norton said. “We and the other communities that are growing rapidly have requested this special census since our growth is obviously outpacing the growth of most communities in that 10-year period.”
The special census is necessary to accurately reflect growth numbers in the “fastest-growing community in the state for the last five years in a row,” Norton said.
“With our growth explosion, having accurate numbers could make our community eligible to receive an additional $1.7 million in federal and state funding between now and the next scheduled census in 2020,” Norton said. “That $1.7 million could go a long way in helping us provide services for our growing number of residents by improving infrastructure, adding walking/biking paths, etc.”
The 2010 census showed Whitestown’s population at 2,893. Norton said it’s estimated the current population is approximately 6,700, with an anticipated population of 10,000 to 12,000 by the 2020 census.
“Our engineers have come to that estimate based on our recent and current growth rate, the number of permits pulled for new housing, and development plans that are in the pipeline for new homes and neighborhoods,” Norton said.
The census workers will work 25 to 40 hours per week for two to eight weeks. Hours are flexible and the pay is up to $15 an hour.
“The census workers will either physically go to or call each home in Whitestown on evenings and weekends when people are most likely to be at home to inquire about the number of people (and ages of residents) at each address,” Norton said. “The census will literally count each person living in Whitestown.”
As long as enough applications are received, the Census Bureau plans to test applicants on Oct. 4 and 5, with the hope of the census taking place in November.
For more on the temporary employment opportunity, or to apply, visit the U.S. Census Bureau’s page at bit.ly/2dkaJo9. Applications are also available from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Whitestown Municipal Complex.
