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American Community Survey (ACS)


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Group Quarters

ACS Design and Methodology Paper [PDF 7.4Mb]

Subjects Planned for the 2010 Census and ACS

Questions Planned for the 2010 Census and ACS

ACS and the AIAN Population

 

The American Community Survey (ACS) is a nationwide survey designed to provide communities a fresh look at how they are changing. It is a critical element in the Census Bureau's reengineered decennial census program. The ACS collects and produces population and housing information every year instead of every ten years.

In 2005, the ACS expanded its sample to housing units in all counties in the 50 states and the District of Columbia and to all 78 municipios in Puerto Rico. About three million housing unit addresses are sampled annually throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. In 2006, the ACS sample was expanded to include the population living in group quarters. Group quarters include nursing homes, correctional facilities, military barracks, and college/university housing among others.

Beginning with the 2005 ACS, and continuing every year thereafter, 1-year estimates of demographic, social, economic and housing characteristics are available for geographic areas with a population of 65,000 or more. This includes the nation, all states and the District of Columbia, all congressional districts, approximately 800 counties, and 500 metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas, among others.

In 2008, the ACS will release its first multiyear estimates based on ACS data collected from 2005 through 2007. These 3-year estimates of demographic, social, economic and housing characteristics will be available for geographic areas with a population of 20,000 or more, including the nation, all states and the District of Columbia, all congressional districts, approximately 1,800 counties, and 900 metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas, among others. For areas with a population less than 20,000, 5-year estimates will be available. The first 5-year estimates, based on ACS data collected from 2005 through 2009, will be released in 2010.

For more information on the methods and procedures of the ACS, please see the ACS Design and Methodology paper [PDF 7.4MB].

The American Community Survey is conducted under the authority of Title 13, United States Code, Sections 141 and 193, and response is mandatory. According to Section 221, persons who do not respond shall be fined not more than $100. Title 18 U.S.C. Section 3571 and Section 3559, in effect amends Title 13 U.S.C. Section 221 by changing the fine for anyone over 18 years old who refuses or willfully neglects to complete the questionnaire or answer questions posed by census takers from a fine of not more than $100 to not more than $5,000. The U.S. Census Bureau may use this information only for statistical purposes. We can assure you that your confidentiality is protected. Title 13 requires the Census Bureau to keep all information about you and all other respondents strictly confidential. Any Census Bureau employee who violates these provisions is subject to a fine of up to $250,000 or a prison sentence of up to five years, or both.

You may view Title 13 at the U. S. House of Representatives website at the following address: http://uscode.house.gov/download/title_13.shtml.

 

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Source: U.S. Census Bureau  |  American Community Survey Office  |  Page Last Modified: November 04, 2008