The state of Iowa so far has a 32 percent participation rate for the 2010 Census, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

The organization defines the “mail participation rate” as the percentage of forms mailed back by households that received them. This measure was developed this year because of “the current economy and higher rates of vacant housing.”

The state Board of Regents has encouraged all students at the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and University of Northern Iowa to participate in the census because it “is extremely important to our university communities.”

Iowa’s rate is tied with Wisconsin. Only Montana has a higher rate, at 33 percent.

— by Sam Lane