Consider This from NPR New Census Numbers Mean A Political Power Shift For Some States
Apr 27, 2021
The latest census results reveal the U.S. population at over 331 million, sparking conversations about political power shifts. Some states, like Texas and Florida, are gaining congressional seats, while others are losing out. The episode highlights the importance of accurately counting populations, including deployed troops, for federal funding and representation. It also touches on the potential consequences of redistricting and the legal challenges that might arise from the new demographic data. Overall, it’s a deep dive into how numbers reshape political landscapes.
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Census Rule Change for Deployed Troops
- The 2010 census undercounted deployed troops, who were considered residents of their enlistment address.
- The 2020 census changed this, counting them at their base, impacting states like North Carolina with military bases.
Impact of Deployment on Census Count
- In Onslow County, North Carolina, home to Camp Lejeune, the absence of deployed Marines is noticeable.
- Their deployment during the 2010 census resulted in an undercount, impacting funding and investment.
2020 Census Results
- The 2020 census reveals the official U.S. population as 331,449,281.
- This represents a 7.5% growth since 2010, the second slowest in U.S. history.