As of today, Friendship, Oklahoma has a 84% response rate and is tied for 1st place in the highest community response rate in Oklahoma and is also tied for 194th in the nation. Oklahoma has a response rate of 58% with Jackson County at 61%. Response rates for cities and towns in Jackson County are:

Altus 63%

Blair 53%

Duke 58%

Elmer 50%

Friendship 84%

Headrick 52%

Martha 75%

Olustee 43%

The 2010 Census is one of the shortest in history. It takes just 10 minutes to complete, and only has 10 questions. The Census numbers will impact federal, state, and local funding decisions for the next 10 years. Over the last decade, Oklahoma received between $1,200-$1,400 per capita in federal formula funding allocations based on data obtained in the 2000 Census. Here are a few things Oklahoma has received as a result of the Census:

2002 - $1.8 billion for medical assistance

2003 - $491.8 million for highway planning & construction

2004 - $150.6 million for temporary assistance for needy families

2005 - $29.2 million for veterans programs

2006 - $35.6 million for child support enforcement

2007 - $30.6 million for community development state and entitlement block grants

Our Census numbers also determine our representation in Congress.

Please return your form, and remind others to do so. If you have not received you census form or need help with filling it in, please contact the Census Help Desk in Altus at 481-2205.