Local governments use census figures for planning purposes, to guide policy decisions on growth and transportation, and as a basis for programs such as affordable housing and recreation for the elderly. The state estimates Boulder County has about 287,000 people, but the census may show populations have been underestimated, economist Romine said. He expects the Denver Regional Council of Governments may have underestimated the eight-county region by 50,000 to 100,000 people. If we're off by 20,000 people in Boulder County, that's pretty significant, and that would mean the county is probably not providing a lot of the services those people need. Total populations have skyrocketed in east-county areas such as Superior, Erie, Broomfield, Lafayette and Louisville since the last census survey in 1990.
Some residents say the changes in the past decade are already obvious, without a census count.
I think the roads and water provisions and schools are not keeping up with that rate. Colorado counties, cities and towns this week are expecting population counts, racial and ethnic data and numbers of people older than 18 and younger than 18. Later this year, the U.S. Census Bureau will report further information, including income levels, exact ages, marital status, school enrollment, disabilities, places of employment, rent costs and home values. Much of that money went to more than 200 human-service agencies such as the Developmental Disabilities Center, Clinica Campesina, the People's Clinic, Alternatives for Youth and the Longmont Coalition for Women in Crisis. The county's return rate for printed Census 2000 surveys was 73 percent, above the state and national average.