American Community Survey (ACS)

The Design and Methodology Report contains descriptions of the basic design of the ACS and details of the full set of methods and procedures. Last released as a draft report in 2006, this version includes updated information reflecting survey changes, modifications, improvements, and the methods used to produce the first 2005-2007 ACS 3-year estimates.

Complete Report: Design and Methodology [PDF 3.97MB]

• Foreword [PDF 460KB]



• Table of Contents [PDF 438KB]



• Chapter 1.  Introduction [PDF 416KB]



• Chapter 2.  Program History [PDF 597KB]



• Chapter 3.  Frame Development [PDF 464KB]



• Chapter 4.  Sample Design and Selection [PDF 524KB]



• Chapter 5.  Content Development Process [PDF 475KB]



• Chapter 6.  Survey Rules, Concepts and Definitions [PDF 436KB]



• Chapter 7.  Data Collection and Capture for Housing Units [PDF 478KB]



• Chapter 8.  Data Collection and Capture for Group Quarters [PDF 448KB]



• Chapter 9.  Language Assistance Program [PDF 425KB]



• Chapter 10.  Data Preparation and Processing for Housing Units and Group Quarters [PDF 2.8 MB]



• Chapter 11.  Weighting and Estimation [PDF 558KB]



• Chapter 12.  Variance Estimation [PDF 539KB]



• Chapter 13.  Preparation and Review of Data Products [PDF 450KB]



• Chapter 14.  Data Dissemination [PDF 419KB]



• Chapter 15.  Improving Data Quality by Reducing Nonsampling Error [PDF 475KB]



• Glossary of Terms [PDF 509KB]



• Acronyms [PDF 419KB]

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