Responding takes only a few minutes. Everybody counts: including babies and kids. Read more about why the 2020 Census is vitally important for the future of our Estes Valley.

For anyone who has not already self-responded (online, by phone, or by mail), the deadline is fast approaching.

In Colorado, federal funding based on the Census count equates to approximately $13 billion annually, or an estimated $2300 per-person annually, according to a study by George Washington University. Census counts determine local funding for everything from roads to veterans’ services, and much more.

To help achieve a complete local count, there are some easy steps within our grasp:

1) Make sure that your household has responded—online, by phone, or by mail. Don’t forget to count the kids, including babies and toddlers. Didn’t get a Census mailing? You can still go online and respond—simply check the box indicating you didn’t receive a Census code number.

2) In conversations, encourage friends and neighbors to self-respond. People can feel reassured that the Census is confidential, and that personal information is not shared with any other government agency.

3) Do you own a second home or vacation home in the Estes Valley—that is, a residence occupied less than 6 months of the year? If so, you can help by responding online to the Census question, “How many people live at the second home?” with “zero”. Easy as that—and you’re done.

The Estes Valley Library continues to focus on Census efforts with local partners, including the Town of Estes Park, supported with a grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs and Larimer County.

Anyone with questions about the 2020 Census is encouraged to give the Library a call at (970) 586-8116, and staff members will be happy to research the answer to a question, or seek follow-up advice from a Census representative.

Click here to visit our Census 2020 information page.