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," in section 3 of the General Data Users Handbook.
1-year estimates |
1-year supplemental estimates |
3-year estimates* |
5-year estimates |
---|---|---|---|
12 months of collected data Example: 2019 ACS 1-year estimates Date collected between: January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019 |
12 months of collected data Example: 2019 ACS 1-year supplemental estimates Date collected between: January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019 |
36 months of collected data Example: 2011-2013 ACS 3-year estimates Date collected between: January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2013 |
60 months of collected data Example: 2015-2019 ACS 5-year estimates Date collected between: January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2019 |
Data for areas with populations of 65,000+ |
Data for areas with populations of 20,000+ | Data for areas with populations of 20,000+ |
Data for all areas |
Smallest sample size | Smallest sample size | Larger sample size than 1-year | Largest sample size |
Less reliable than 3-year or 5-year | Less reliable than 5-year | More reliable than 1-year; less reliable than 5-year | Most reliable |
Most current data | Most current data | Less current than 1-year estimates; more current than 5-year | Least current |
Annually released: 2005-present |
Annually released: 2014-present | Annually released: 2007-2013 | Annually released: 2009-present |
Best used when |
Best used when |
Best used when |
Best used when |
Currency is more important than precision Analyzing large populations | Currency is more important than precision Analyzing smaller populations Examining smaller geographies because the standard 1-year estimates are not available | More precise than 1-year, spans fewer years than 5-year Analyzing smaller populations Examining smaller geographies because the standard 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 |
*ACS 3-year estimates have been discontinued. The 2005-2007, 2006-2008, 2007-2009, 2008-2010, 2009-2011, 2010-2012 and 2011-2013 ACS 3-year estimates will remain available to data users, but no new 3-year estimates will be produced. Every community in the nation will continue to receive a detailed statistical portrait of its social, economic, housing and demographic characteristics through 1-year and 5-year ACS products.
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