The Invisible Citizens of North Yakima
A local editor complains that federal census rules are failing to count the transient, hardworking men who keep the city growing.
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A correct census of the state or any portion thereof the plans followed by the enumerators proves a failure. There are several hundred people in this city who will not be enumerated. This is due to instructions from the census bureau which prohibit the enumeration of men who have families in other states, even if they intend to bring them here once their labor provides the necessary capital. This will result in all young and growing cities falling below their actual population according to the census returns. It is very desirable that the census of North Yakima should be as accurate and complete as possible, and in any cases where the enumerator has failed to take the census, the names and addresses of such people should be sent to C. W. Liggett, or if the Herald is notified, it will endeavor to see that the proper enumeration is made.
“This will result in all young and growing cities falling below their actual population according to the census returns.”
Yakima's historical struggle to capture its true population in the 1890s mirrors modern debates about undercounting transient workers, undocumented residents, and students in civic censuses. A city's representation and resource allocation often depend on who the government deems 'residing' versus merely 'passing through.'
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