The Public Use Microdata Sample files, or PUMS, are a sample of the actual responses to the American Community Survey and include most population and housing characteristics. These files provide users with the flexibility to prepare customized tabulations and can be used for detailed research and analysis. Files have been edited to protect the confidentiality of all individuals and of all individual households. For an overview of the file, please see the American Community Survey PUMS overview.
The 2000-2005 PUMS files are limited to the household population and exclude the population living in institutions, college dormitories, and other group quarter facilities.