The American Community
Survey is a survey conducted
by the U.S. Census Bureau in
every county, American Indian
and Alaska Native Area, and
Hawaiian Home Land.
The American Community
Survey provides critical economic,
social, demographic,
and housing information to this
country’s communities every
year.
Is the American Community
Survey Part of the 2010
Census?
Yes. The 2010 Census will focus
on counting the population. The
American Community Survey will
provide communities every year
the same kind of detailed information
previously available only
when the U.S. Census Bureau
conducted a population census
every 10 years.
The American Community Survey
began in 1996 in a sample of
counties across the country. Today
the survey is conducted in all
U.S. counties and in Puerto Rico,
where it is called the Puerto Rico
Community Survey. |
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The American Community Survey consists of 1-year, 3-year and 5-year ACS estimates
In 2010 three types of estimates are available from the American Community Survey: 1-year estimates (based on data collected in a single year), 3-year estimates (based on data collected in three consecutive years) and 5-year estimates (based on data collected in five consecutive years). To help users determine which estimates to select, a basic comparison of 1-year, 3-year and 5-year estimates is provided below. Additional information about the interpretation and use of 1-year, 3-year and 5-year estimates is available in the Guidance for Data User section on the ACS website.
1-Year Estimates
The 2009 ACS 1-year estimates are based on data collected between January 2009 and December 2009.
- Published for selected geographic areas with populations of 65,000 or greater
- Represent the average characteristics over calendar year 2009
- Have smaller sample size than the 3-year and 5-year estimates
- Are more current than the 3-year estimates and 5-year
3-Year Estimates
The 2007-2009 ACS 3-year estimates are based on data collected between January 2007 and December 2009.
- Published for selected geographic areas with populations of 20,000 or greater
- Represent the average characteristics over the 3-year period of time
- Have larger sample size than the 1-year estimates but smaller than the 5-year
- Are less current than the 1-year estimates however more current than the 5-year
5-Year Estimates
The 2005-2009 ACS 5-year estimates are based on data collected between January 2005 and December 2009.
- Published for small geographic areas
- Represent the average characteristics over the 5-year period of time
- Have larger sample size than the 1-year and 3-year estimates
- Are less current than the 1-year and 3-year estimates
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This data includes age, agriculture, ancestry, banking, building permits, business patterns, crime, earnings, education, elections, employment, government, health, households, housing, income, labor force, manufacturers, population, poverty, retail trade, social programs, veterans, vital statistics, water use, and wholesale trade. |
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