Several US States and New York City Achieve Verification and Augmentation of 2020 Census Figures

Introduction:

In a significant development following the 2020 census, several US states and New York City have successfully requested reviews of their population figures, leading to adjustments and an increase in their respective counts. These revisions play a crucial role in determining political power and the annual distribution of federal funding, totaling $2.8 trillion. While the adjustments will impact future annual population estimates, they cannot influence the allocation of congressional seats or the redrawing of political districts.

California’s Geographic Correction:

California, the most populous state in the nation with 38.9 million residents, focused on correcting geographical inaccuracies rather than increasing its population count. Notably, the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its over 5,000 crew members were relocated to National City from neighboring San Diego. The correction was based on where crew members embark and disembark, emphasizing the part of Naval Base San Diego situated in National City. Additionally, 4,000 prisoners from Mule Creek State Prison were reassigned from Amador County to the city of Ione, responding to California’s request for adjustments.

Walter Schwarm, the state’s chief demographer, explained that California’s reviews aimed to address misplaced elements and ensure accurate geographical representation. The corrections, while not impacting congressional seat allocation, contribute to refining future population estimates for federal funding distribution.

Illinois’ Population Boost:

Illinois, the sixth most populous state in the US, announced an increase of 47,000 people in its population total after a thorough review of census figures. Governor JB Pritzker highlighted that the review addressed the oversight of more than 40,500 individuals in care homes or senior living facilities and over 5,800 college students in dorms. These “group quarters” posed challenges during the 2020 census, especially with lockdowns in prisons and nursing homes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pritzker emphasized that this correction would result in additional federal funding for crucial programs, helping ensure accurate future population counts.

Despite the positive impact of the review, Illinois continues to face a significant population decline, losing almost 264,000 residents since the 2020 census. The state, along with California and New York, has experienced one of the largest population losses from 2020 to 2023, according to Census Bureau estimates. Moreover, Illinois was among the states that were undercounted in the 2020 census, with the Census Bureau estimating that approximately 2% of the state’s 12.5 million residents were missed.

New York City’s Adjustment for Funding Gains:

New York City successfully secured an additional 1,090 people in its population count through the review process. While the exact figure remains undisclosed, city officials estimate the adjustment’s impact by comparing annual changes in numbers with population estimates from the Census Bureau. The adjustments primarily focused on ensuring the inclusion of hundreds of inmates and students at various educational institutions, such as Hunter College, Pace University, and Wagner College, who were initially overlooked in the 2020 count.

Although the adjustment appears relatively small in a city of 8.3 million residents, New York City officials believe it could result in an additional $6.5 million in federal funding annually. While the adjustment does not affect congressional seat allocation, it underscores the city’s commitment to accurate census counts for maximizing federal funding.

Conclusion:

The post-2020 census reviews conducted by several US states and New York City highlight the significance of accurate population counts for political representation and federal funding distribution. While California focused on geographical corrections, Illinois addressed challenges in counting specific populations, and New York City sought adjustments for overlooked inmates and students. These efforts underscore the ongoing importance of maintaining accurate and comprehensive census data for effective governance and resource allocation.