Counting Full-Time RV Travelers in the U.S. Census
RV travel has become a popular lifestyle choice among many Americans, blending the freedom of the open road with the comfort of home. However, a question often arises: Are full-time RV travelers officially counted in the U.S. census?
During a recent stay in an RV park in Washington, a census form was left on our door, prompting us to reflect on the importance of being counted. We had the chance to inform our readers about the best practices for managing mail and staying connected during our travels.
Why is Census Participation Important?
While lifestyle choices such as RV travel can make receiving official communication challenging, participating in the census is essential. Census data impacts everything from government funding to the allocation of resources for essential services. Individuals must choose a state of residency, ensuring their voices are heard.
The Census Bureau offers several options for staying connected while traveling:
Use a family member or friend's address and have them scan mail that you don't receive in emails. Utilize scanning services available in each state for PO Boxes where mail can be scanned and sent. Take advantage of the state of Montana, which can serve as a base address for mail services.Counting RV Travelers
During the census, efforts are made to ensure that all RV travelers are counted. Special operations are conducted to reach out to special populations, including those with transient living arrangements. For RV travelers, census workers often go to campgrounds, homeless shelters, and known locations where people who are traveling may reside.
On Census Day, if a census worker encounters an occupied RV, they will knock on the door and ask whether the RV is the individuals' "usual residence." If confirmed, the residents will be counted at that location. This process ensures that full-time RV travelers are not overlooked in the census.
About the 2020 Census
For the 2020 census, meticulous planning and preparation were undertaken to ensure accurate counts of all populations, including the transitory housing population. In 2019, state governments were tasked with providing the Census Bureau with the locations of all known transitory housing locations, such as RV parks, campgrounds, carnivals, and long-term stay hotels and motels. This information helps in the census outreach efforts and ensures that every individual is counted where they reside on Census Day.
It is crucial to note that while RV travel is becoming an increasingly popular lifestyle, the census remains a vital tool for ensuring that residents are accurately represented and that essential services are provided based on accurate population data.