Guidance for Data Users

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Guidance for Data Users

The American Community Survey (ACS) not only produces data about our nation's population every year, we also provide a variety of resources to help data users understand how to use and access this information.

Learn more about the list of subjects included in the survey, different types of data products and tools available, handbooks geared toward distinct data user groups, and more.

Join the ACS Data Users Group and Online Community

The American Community Survey Data Users Group improves understanding of the value and utility of ACS data and promotes information sharing among data users about key ACS data issues and applications. Membership is free and open to all interested ACS data users.

To facilitate communication among ACS data users, the Census Bureau and Population Reference Bureau maintain the ACS Online Community where people can share messages, materials, and announcements related to the ACS. We also plan the ACS Data Users Conference.

Join over 2,500 data users who are part of the ACS Online Community!

Join the ACS Data Users Group and Online Community

Subjects Included in the Survey

Access ACS tables from data.census.gov for a variety of demographic, social, economic, and housing subjects.

Which Data Table or Tool Should I Use?

Learn more about the tools available to help you access current social, economic, housing, and demographic statistics for the nation's communities.

When to Use 1-year, 3-year, or 5-year Estimates

Learn more about distinguishing features of the American Community Survey 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year estimates and when they are best used.

American Community Survey Handbooks for Data Users

Discover specific how-to instructions and/or case studies for using the ACS with each of the downloadable handbooks customized for different user groups.

Comparing ACS Data

Learn more about comparing the current American Community Survey estimates with the previous year, 2010 Census, and 2000 Census by topic.

Statistical Testing Tool

Test whether American Community Survey estimates are statistically different from each other using the Census Bureau's Statistical Testing Tool.

American Community Survey Training Presentations

Learn more about American Community Survey (ACS) data and data products, as well as how to train others, with these ACS training presentations.

Related Information

American Community Survey Data

Technical Documentation

American Community Survey Data Releases