US Census Bureau urging Oklahomans to fill out 2020 census form before Sept. 30th deadline

TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) -- So far, Oklahoma's 2020 Census response rate is significantly lower than 2010.

Oklahoma is ranked 42nd in the nation right now for filling out the form.

This could severely hurt the state in receiving critical federal funding for schools, hospitals, and natural disaster relief.

Officials said this can improve before the Sept. 30 deadline if people do their part.

"If we don't get it right our communities could be underfunded when it comes to paying for that pothole you hit when taking your kids to school, schools, and making sure hospitals have the resources they need," saidEmily Kelley, Partnership Cord. US Census Bureau for Kansas and Ok.

Kelley said Oklahoma is stuck with these numbers in the next decade.

To help with numbers, the Census Bureau launched a new campaign called "Stop the Knock."

The campaign kicks off this week and is designed to encourage residents to respond to the Census now, to lessen the possibility of a Census employee knocking on their door this month.

Currently, the state of Oklahoma holds a 57.4 percent self-response rate, which is below the national average of 62.8 percent.

Households can still self-respond now by completing and mailing back the paper questionnaire they received, by responding onlineor by phone at 844-330-2020.