Russell County's participation rate in this year's census currently stands at 77 percent, 21 percentage points higher than the final local rate 10 years ago and ahead of state and national averages, according to the latest statistics provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

The city of Russell Springs' participation rate is at 81 percent while Jamestown's rate sets at 68 percent. Both of these numbers have risen from the previous census when Russell Springs finished with a 67 percent mailback rate and Jamestown with a 59 percent rate.

The national participation rate currently stands at 72 percent, the final percentage of the 2000 Census.

“Congratulations to the American public for its remarkable display of civic participation, a commitment to the common good that exceeded the expectations of many,” said a message this week on the Census website.

“This achievement is even more impressive within the context of a decade of declining participation in surveys of all kinds, both public and private.”

Those locally who have not responded by returning their census forms can expect to a knock on their door in the coming days.

Beginning May 1, census workers will be combing the area to collect information for residents who have not responded, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

At the time of their census worker certification, the workers took a confidentiality oath that, if broken, could result in a fine of up to $250,000 and five years imprisonment.

A census worker will not ask for Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, credit card information or any personal information.

These workers are also identifiable by an official U.S. Census Bureau badge.

The collected information will help determine how more than $400 billion in federal money gets distributed to state and local governments each year this decade.

Federal law requires census participation and protects personal information.

The 2000 Census showed Russell County's population at 16,315, a number that is expected to rise again this year when final figures are released following the conclusion of the count.

A temporary census office is open in nearby Somerset on East Mt. Vernon St. and can be reached by calling 606-219-4870.