A special census is headed to a fast-growing community in Johnson County.
Tiffin and the U.S. Census Bureau will conduct a count of all residents in September in an effort to quantify its growth in the last five years. The hope is to leverage the numbers into additional funding for infrastructure improvements, street maintenance and snow removal equipment.
Tiffin’s population more than doubled between 2010 and 2020, increasing by about 132% from 1,947 residents to 4,512. If similar growth continues in the next decade, Tiffin’s population is expected to eclipse 10,000 by 2030, the next time the Census Bureau conducts its nationwide canvass.
The city’s most recent comprehensive plan, approved in 2018, assumed an aggressive 150% population growth and estimated a 2030 population of over 12,000.
When does Tiffin’s special census begin?
The online special census survey will open on Wednesday, Sept. 3. Tiffin residents are expected to receive two letters and two postcards in the mail encouraging participation and detailing the steps to complete the survey. The online survey can be completed at https://portal.census.gov/specialcensus.
The survey will remain open through Sept. 26, according to the city’s website.
If residents do not complete the online survey by Sept. 26, special census interviewers will begin visiting homes to conduct in-person surveys. Door-to-door surverys are expected to begin in mid-to-late October.
Not all residents will receive postcards or flyers in the mail, especially if they are in a newly built unit.
Residents who do not receive materials through the mail are encouraged to contact the City of Tiffin at 319-545-2572.
Why is Tiffin conducting a special census?
Local estimates indicate Tiffin’s population has grown by about 60% since the official 2020 census, according to Greater Iowa City, Inc. The town is only receiving state and federal funding for a town with a population of 4,200, though officials believe the actual population is closer to 7,200.
The city will use the sepcial census data to make “accurate” and “timely” decisions about infrastructure, housing, schools, property taxes and more, Greater Iowa City, Inc. said in a release. The organization also said a more precise population total could reduce property taxes.
Tiffin is allocating about $330,000 in general fund cash toward the special census.
Have other Johnson County cities conducted a special census?
Yes.
North Liberty conducted a census in 2015, which increased its population by about 37%, from 13,374 to 18,299.
The state uses population data to distribute road use tax revenue. Greater Iowa City, Inc. estimated that North Liberty received about $280,000 in additional revenue each year between 2016 and 2020. The city spent more than $300,000 on the census.
“North Liberty’s model proves that timely action paired with accurate data is a game-changer for vibrant, fast-growing communities,” Greater Iowa City, Inc. wrote on its website.
Ryan Hansen covers local government and crime for the Press-Citizen. He can be reached at rhansen@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ryanhansen01.
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Johnson County’s fastest-growing city will hold a special census. How will Tiffin benefit?
Reporting by Ryan Hansen, Iowa City Press-Citizen / Iowa City Press-Citizen
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