Subnational census data is key for calculating the amount that states receive in federal funding for 315 federal programs. This is one of the many reasons why addressing the 2.1 percent net undercount of children in the 2020 Census (or 1,554,000 children) is important. Understanding where children are undercounted geographically can help advocates prepare for a better count in the 2030 Census.
This report by Dr. Bill O’Hare identifies counties with high net undercounts of children in the 2020 Census by both rates and numeric size. Texas, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Mississippi, and South Carolina had the most counties with a net child undercount rate and a high net undercount number. Texas, North Carolina, Florida, California, and Georgia had the most counties with a high child undercount numerically. Texas, Georgia, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and South Dakota had the most counties with a high child undercount rate. The report provides a county-level map showing which counties had high net child undercount rates and which counties had high net child undercount numbers across.
Advocates can use the county-level data presented in this report to focus on outreach strategies in communities where children are undercounted in preparation for the 2030 Census.
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