THOMASVILLE — A community’s population determines the amount of federal funding received during the upcoming decade.

Some have provided census information online, some by mail.

Sherri Nix, City of Thomasville public outreach manager, said the current deadline to submit census information is August 15.

At this point in the process, Thomas County ranks third in Southwest Georgia responses at 45.7 percent. Lee County leads with 39.2 percent, with Dougherty County is next at 45.2 percent.

“If you do not respond to the census, it appears we have less population than we do,” Nix said.

Among the areas federal funding is disbursed — based on population — are:

Medicare programs

Hospitals

Public schools

Health care

Food assistance for adults and children

Student loans

National school lunch program

Headstart

Public housing

When responding to the census online, the user code at the top of the page may be used, or the person’s address may be entered.

“It will find you,” Nix said.

Information provided in the census is private by law and cannot be shared with anyone or any agency.

In addition to filling out a census survey online, residents also may fill out paperwork or be counted by phone by calling (844) 330-2020.