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 2007 PUMS files include the total population including those living in institutions, college dormitories, and other group quarter facilities. The smallest geographic unit that is identified is the Public Use Microdata Area (PUMA).
In conjunction with the release of three-year estimates, a multiyear PUMS file will be released in late 2008. The multiyear PUMS file will contain the same sample of actual responses provided in the 2005, 2006, and 2007 One-Year PUMS files.
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