How the 2010 Census Can Affect Flagler County, Florida

On March, 9 2010, County Commissioner Melissa Holland spoke to the Northeast Florida Community Action Agency Client Advisory Board in Bunnell, Florida about the importance of accurately completing the 2010 Census information. She explained that in the year 2000, "only 70% of the residents completed the census," and that the current census shows the county as having a population of around 49,000. She went on to say that the county data shows Flagler County as having a population closer to 100,000 people.

"It's unfortunate, as we had been the fastest growing county," explained Commissioner Holland. "[The census] affects infrastructure, transportation, and the school system," she said. "This will have a major impact on the school system," she went on to say after lauding the school system for their efforts to get the word out to Flagler residents about the importance of completing the Census.

One area that might benefit substantially from the Census is the potential for businesses to bring jobs into the area. Flagler County reached a 16.9% unemployment rate in the beginning of 2010. Ms. Holland said that if Flagler County residents complete the Census, our numbers will show that "we have an available work force." The county may attract more retail stores and other industry as those businesses see the available workforce and potential customer base.

As of 2010, Flagler County representation in congress is shared with neighboring counties, St. Johns, Volusia, and Putnam, but redistricting in 2012 could give Flagler County its own representative. Representation in Flagler County could hinge on the number of residents counted by the 2010 Census.

Ms. Holland spoke on the importance of educating the public about the use of the Census, and addressed some concerns that some Flagler County residents may have. She said that the information on the census surveys would be confidential, and while it will be crucial to accurately portray the demographic information in each household, no personal information will be on the surveys.

She emphasized one important facet of completing the survey, which is that if you live in Flagler County on April 1, 2010, you need fill out the Census as a Flagler County resident, even if you live part of the year in another state.

More than jobs, updated Census information will bring more funding into a county that has a high unemployment rate and continues to grow in population. County workers, judges, and county services can be expanded if the population of the County is accurately reflected in the Census count.