The American Community Survey (ACS) is conducted every year to provide up-to-date information about the social and economic needs of your community. The ACS shows how people live--our education, housing, jobs and more. For example, results may be used to decide where new schools, hospitals, and emergency services are needed.
The census is conducted once every 10 years to provide an official count of the entire U.S. population to Congress. The 2010 Census was recently conducted results will be released soon.
Yes. Your response to both is important and required by law (Title 13, U.S. Code). Your responses will also help provide local and national leaders with the information they need for planning and for programs.
The American Community Survey includes questions that are not asked by the 2010 Census, and the two serve different purposes.
Your answers are confidential. Every Census Bureau employee takes a lifetime oath to protect your personal identification. Disclosing ANY information that could identify you or your family means 5 years in prison, or $250,000 in fines, or both.