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American Community Survey (ACS)


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How to Use the Data Main

ACS and Intercensal Population Estimates

Comparing ACS Data to Other Sources

Subject Definitions

Accuracy of the Data

Quality Measures
 >Sample Size:
     > Data
     > Definitions
 >Coverage Rates:
     > Data
     > Definitions
 >Response Rates:
     > Data
     > Definitions
 >Item Allocation Rates:
     > Data
     > Definitions

ACS Group Quarters
  » 2006 GQ Data Products

Errata
  » ACS 2000 Errata (11/7/02)
  » ACS 2000 Errata (3/25/02)

User Notes
  » ACS 1999 Limitations
  » ACS 2000 Notices

Geography Explanation

Data Products Details

Using Data from the 2006 ACS [PDF]

ACS Summary File
  » Technical Documentation

 

Section Overview

Each year we add new documentation to reflect changes in the survey or update the existing documents to help you understand the data better.

Subject Definitions

We have identified and defined population and housing variables to help you understand the results of the American Community Survey. These include information on how the data were collected and how they are presented in data products.

Accuracy of the Data

These documents provide data users with a basic understanding of the sample design, confidentiality, sampling error, nonsampling error, estimation methodology, and accuracy of the data.

Errata

This section will keep you informed of any updates made to the data due to found errors.

Data Product Details

This online tool allows users to obtain additional information about the 2007 data products. Users can obtain information about the set of published geographic areas within each state, lists of detailed tables by topic and lists of specific ranking tables, subject tables, and Selected Population Profiles. A variety of other links is available from this site with information about ACS data products.

ACS Summary File

The American Community Survey Summary File (ACS-SF) final version files are available. The summary file is a combination of all of the detailed tables by state in a series of files, similar to those published for Census 2000. The 2005 prototype version is also available.

Quality measures

The content in quality measures provides discussion and data tables at the state and national level on 4 key indicators of survey data quality -- response rates, coverage rates, sample size and allocation rates.

ACS Group Quarters

Definitions and Type Codes are available!
The content in ACS Group Quarters provides the definitions and type codes that help users understand the scope of American Survey Group Quarters data collection.

Geography Notes

The geography notes gives a brief explanation of the Census Bureaus geographic hierarchy and common terms as well as details on specific geographic areas presented in the American Community Survey data products.

Using Data from the 2006 ACS

This 2006 ACS Data Users Handbook [PDF] covers a broad set of topics relating directly to the 2006 ACS. It covers the type of information produced from the ACS, including measures of quality that are critical for users to consider. Each of the specific data products is detailed in this guide, along with tips on how to access and interpret these data.

Using Data from the 2006 Puerto Rico Community Survey

This 2006 PRCS Data Users Handbook (English version) [PDF] covers a broad set of topics relating directly to the 2006 Puerto Rico Community Survey. It is available in PDF format and can be downloaded for use as a reference document.

 

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Source: U.S. Census Bureau  |  American Community Survey Office  |  Page Last Modified: September 15, 2008