Census experts worry tornadoes could impact Ohio count

DAYTON, Ohio (AP) — Tornadoes that destroyed and damaged hundreds of homes in western Ohio are complicating population counts for next year’s Census.

The count activities start at the end of January 2020 and Census experts worry about how the Dayton area will fare since the region is still cleaning up from Memorial Day tornadoes.

The Dayton Daily News reports there were 2,236 structures destroyed or left unhabitable in Montgomery County alone. Many of those structures were homes and apartments, and many of those residents have moved or will move.

Lowenthal says if a home is not habitable as of April 1, 2020, residents can’t be counted even if they intend to return.

The bureau says they have hired thousands of employees to respond to the issue.