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.