The strength of the American Community Survey is in estimating characteristic distributions. We recommend users compare derived measures such as percents, means, medians, and rates rather than estimates of population totals.
ACS 1-year estimates with Census 2000
ACS 1-year estimates from different years.
Use Caution: Because ACS variables change over time, some areas and subjects must be compared with caution, or not compared at all.
Use the left navigation to get yearly guidance on specific topics/subjects.
ACS 1-year, 3-year or 5-year estimates with Census 2000 data.
Differences in the universe, question wording, residence rules, reference periods, and the way in which the data are tabulated can impact comparability with Census 2000.
Use our Table Comparison Lookup Tool to check for table-specific comparability.
The Census Bureau recommends that you:
DO compare similar period lengths, for example, 3-year to 3-year.
DON'T compare estimates from different period lengths, for example, 1-year to 3-year.
DO compare estimates from non-overlapping periods, for example, compare a 2005-2007 ACS 3-year estimate to a 2008-2010 ACS 3-year estimate.
DON'T compare overlapping periods, for example, the 2005-2007 ACS 3-year estimates to the 2006-2008 ACS 3-year estimates.
Use our Table Comparison Lookup Tool to search for a comparable table for your topic of interest. You can enter ACS table numbers or Census 2000 table numbers.
High-level guidance (compare, compare with caution, etc.) on groupings of topics (characteristics).
People
Housing