Counting on Arkansas: The Road to Census 2030

The Census plays a crucial role in shaping the future of states like Arkansas by providing essential data used in political representation, federal funding distribution, and state planning. Conducted every ten years, the census determines how congressional districts are drawn, influencing Arkansas’s representation in the U.S. House of Representatives. Additionally, census data impacts the allocation of billions of dollars in federal funding for programs such as Medicaid, public education, transportation, and social services. 

Beyond political representation and funding, census data is a foundation for economic development and infrastructure planning in Arkansas. Businesses and policymakers use census information to determine where to invest in new developments, such as healthcare facilities, schools, and roads.. Philanthropic organizations also rely on census data to identify areas of highest need, target investments more effectively, and measure the impact of their initiatives. Local governments rely on this data to assess community needs and develop long-term plans to accommodate population growth and demographic shifts. A complete and accurate count is essential for Arkansas’s continued economic and social progress, ensuring all communities receive adequate resources and representation.

That’s why the work around the 2020 census mattered so much. And it’s why we must engage now to plan for 2030.

Understanding the Numbers

In 2010, Arkansas’s self-response rate for the census was 62%. By 2020, amid a global pandemic and significant digital divides, that number dipped slightly to 61%. However, through extensive follow-up efforts—including door-to-door visits and community outreach—the final enumeration reached 99.9% of households statewide. This demonstrates that while fewer households completed the census on their own, a near-complete count was still achieved through additional efforts.That did not happen by accident or wishful thinking. The messaging and outreach was the result of the relentless, creative work of Arkansas Counts, community partners, the Governor’s office, and funders who believed all Arkansans counted. Our collective mission was simple: To ensure people of this State—particularly the unseen, the unheard, the hesitant—were counted. 

Arkansas Counts played a significant role in mobilizing community leaders, local organizations, and volunteers to promote census participation. The work included door-to-door campaigns (pre-pandemic), public service announcements, and social media outreach to combat misinformation and encourage responses. Similarly, Get Out the Count concentrated on raising awareness among hard-to-count (children under five, people of color, the elderly, individuals experiencing homelessness, and those in rural communities) populations through educational workshops, multilingual outreach efforts, and collaborations with trusted community institutions. 

Appreciating What is At Stake

Arkansas is growing! This offers an opportunity for Arkansas to have a stronger voice and our fair share of federal resources coming back to our state. Aspire Arkansas’s comparative analysis of the 2010 and 2020 census results highlights key demographic and population shifts within Arkansas. In 2010, the state reported a total population of approximately 2.92 million. By 2020, that number had grown to 3.01 million, reflecting a steady increase. This growth signifies important trends in urbanization, racial and ethnic diversity, and economic changes. 

One of the most notable shifts between the two census periods was the growing urban population. Metropolitan areas such as Little Rock, Fayetteville, and Bentonville saw an influx of residents driven by job opportunities and an expanding economy. Conversely, some rural areas experienced population declines, presenting challenges in maintaining services and infrastructure. 

Recognizing the historical undercounting of certain populations—such as rural communities, minority groups, and households earning lower incomes—organizations and funders understood that an undercount meant an underfunded Arkansas. This means Arkansas leaves dollars in DC—dollars that do not get invested in our roads, our communities, or in our people. 

Growing What Worked

Several lessons emerged from 2020 outreach experiences in Arkansas. One was the importance of early and sustained engagement. Preparation for the 2030 census must  begin now, well in advance of the enumeration process to maximize engagement and participation. Many of the challenges associated with census participation, such as distrust in government and limited internet access, require long-term community relationship-building. 

We also must leverage technology effectively. The 2020 census was the first to include an online response option, which proved beneficial in many areas but also highlighted digital divides in rural and low-income communities. Broadband access is not a luxury, it’s a necessity in today’s world. Investing in digital infrastructure and providing access to online resources will be essential for future census efforts. 

Community partnerships will continue to be instrumental in increasing participation rates. Local organizations and trusted community leaders played a vital role in dispelling misinformation and encouraging census responses. Strengthening these relationships and expanding outreach networks will be critical in ensuring higher participation rates in future counts. 

The Journey to 2030 Census Started Yesterday

The work has already started—coalition-building, capacity strengthening, digital equity investments, and grassroots engagement. Funders helped build an infrastructure in 2020 that reached across every county in Arkansas. We cannot assume it will be there in five years without renewed support.

Investing in census efforts is not just about civic duty—it is about impact. Funders can play a valuable role in ensuring an accurate count. Every dollar spent on outreach can bring thousands in federal funding back to Arkansas communities. 

That’s not a theory. It’s what happened in 2020. 

Helping Arkansas Count

I invite you to join us and take action to help Arkansas get counted. You can:

• Invest early. Don’t wait until 2029. Fund census education and outreach initiatives, along with digital inclusion and access. 

• Support community-led work. Trusted organizations know how to reach the people others miss. Incentivize municipal and grassroots outreach partnerships to engage hard-to-count populations throughout the process.

• Advocate for state support. Request state investment in census outreach and nurture public-private partnerships to strengthen results. 

• Engage with a statewide coalition of partners. Formally join Arkansas Counts and be part of an effort to train local leaders and promote census outreach. 

When you support census work in Arkansas, you are not just funding data collection. You are helping every Arkansan say, “I’m here. I count.” 

And we’re counting on you.