Code Lists, Definitions, and Accuracy

News & Updates

Data

Microdata

Guidance for Data Users

Geography & ACS

Technical Documentation

Methodology

Library

Operations and Administration

Code Lists, Definitions, and Accuracy

View the detailed codes and definitions for variables, statistical testing, and an explanation of sample design, methodology, and accuracy for the American Community Survey.

2019

Code Lists

Detailed codes for variables that contain a large number of coded responses, such as ancestry and occupation

2019 Code List [1.0 MB]

Subject Definitions

Definitions of population and housing variables to help you understand the results of the American Community Survey

2019 Subject Definitions [1.4 MB]

Group Quarters Definitions

Definitions for classifying group living situations according to the type of housing and/or services provided

2019 Group Quarters Definitions [<1.0 MB]

Comparison Guidance

Learn more about comparing the 2019 ACS with Census 2000, 2010 Census, and 5-year to 5-year estimates.

2019 Comparison Guidance

Table Shells and Table List

Learn more about the layout of the tables and information about tables.

Table Shells and Table List

Instructions for Applying Statistical Testing

Basic instructions for obtaining the ACS standard errors needed to do manual statistical testing.

2019 Instructions for Applying Statistical Testing to ACS 1-year and 5-year Data

Worked Examples for Approximating Margins of Error

Worked Examples on approximating standard errors for various types of ACS estimates.

2019 Worked Examples for Approximating Margins of Error

Statistical Testing Tool

Spreadsheet to quickly test whether ACS estimates are statistically different from one another.

Statistical Testing Tool

Accuracy of the Data

A basic explanation of the sample design, estimation methodology, and accuracy of the data.

2019 ACS 1-year Accuracy of the Data (US) [<1.0 MB]

2019 PRCS 1-year Accuracy of the Data (Puerto Rico) [<1.0 MB]

2015-2019 ACS Multiyear Accuracy (US) [<1.0 MB]

2015-2019 PRCS Multiyear Accuracy (Puerto Rico) [<1.0 MB]

Related Information

VIDEO

Population Reference Bureau: The American Community Survey

VIDEO

Population Reference Bureau: Assessing ACS Reliability

Share Your ACS Data Story

Code Lists, Definitions, and Accuracy

Code Lists, Definitions, and Accuracy

Code Lists

Subject Definitions

Group Quarters Definitions

Comparison Guidance

Table Shells and Table List

Instructions for Applying Statistical Testing

Worked Examples for Approximating Margins of Error

Statistical Testing Tool

Accuracy of the Data

You May Be Interested In