Choosing which dataset involves more than simply considering the population size in your area. You must think about the balance between currency and sample size/reliability/precision.
For details, research implications, and examples, see "Understanding and Using ACS Single-Year and Multiyear Estimates," page 9 in General Data Users Handbook [PDF 1.6MB]
1-year estimates | 3-year estimates | 5-year estimates |
---|---|---|
12 months of collected data | 36 months of collected data | 60 months of collected data |
Data for areas with populations of 65,000+ | Data for areas with populations of 20,000+ | Data for all areas |
Smallest sample size | Larger sample size than 1-year | Largest sample size |
Less reliable than 3-year or 5-year | More reliable than 1-year; less reliable than 5-year | Most reliable |
Most current data | Less current than 1-year estimates; more current than 5-year | Least current |
Best used when | Best used when | Best used when |
Currency is more important than precision Analyzing large populations |
More precise than 1-year, more current than 5-year Analyzing smaller populations Examining smaller geographies because 1-year estimates are not available |
Precision is more important than currency Analyzing very small populations Examining tracts and other smaller geographies because 1-year estimates are not available |
[PDF] or denotes a file in Adobe’s Portable Document Format. To view the file, you will need the Adobe® Reader® available free from Adobe. This symbol indicates a link to a non-government web site. Our linking to these sites does not constitute an endorsement of any products, services or the information found on them. Once you link to another site you are subject to the policies of the new site.
People
Housing