Census undercounted TN's population

Tennessee's population was significantly undercounted in the 2020 census.

• The undercount was by 4.8%, according to a report released earlier this month by the U.S. Census Bureau based on post-census surveys.

• Tennessee is one of 14 states that were miscounted.

Why it matters: The update paints a clearer picture of Tennessee's growth in the last decade, as our population grew to 6.9 million people in 2020.

How it works: A state's census data is used to direct an array of government services. It's also used to allot seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and to guide the once-per-decade state legislative redistricting process.

Yes, but: Despite the undercount, it's too late to correct congressional reapportionment. That means the miscounted figures will stick, Axios's Stef W. Kight reports.

• An accurate count could have put Tennessee in the area of deserving a 10th House seat.