Data users need to be aware of differences between the American Community Survey and Census 2000 that will impact comparability of the 2005-2009 ACS estimates and Census 2000 estimates. There are differences in the universe, question wording, residence rules, reference periods, and the way in which the data are tabulated.

The strength of the ACS is in estimating characteristic distributions. We recommend users compare derived measures such as percents, means, medians, and rates rather than estimates of population totals.

Characteristics That Can Be Compared

In general, these characteristics are comparable. Cases where differences in question wording (Q), reference periods (RP), tabulation (T), and universes (U) may impact comparisons are noted in parentheses. Specific item-by-item guidance is also available.

Ancestry
Citizenship Status(T)
Nativity
Year of Entry
Place of Birth
Journey to Work(T)
Grandparents and Grandchildren
School Enrollment
Educational Attainment
Language
Poverty(RP)
Income and Earnings(RP)
Veteran Status and Period of Military Service
Employment Status(Q)
Hours and Weeks Worked
Industry(T)

Occupation(T)
Class of Worker(T)
Rooms and Bedrooms(Q)
Cost of Utilities
House Heating Fuel
Kitchen Facilities(Q)
Monthly Rent
Mortgage Status
Occupants/Room(Q)
Owner Costs(T)
Plumbing Facilities, except for Puerto Rico(Q)
Tenure
Units in Structure
Home Value(Q)
Vehicles Available
Group Quarters Population(U)

Characteristics That Should Not Be Compared: Only Compare Census 2000 with 2010 Census

The 2010 Census will be the benchmark for these characteristics. If your analysis does not involve other ACS characteristics, you should use the 2010 Census to compare the distributions back to Census 2000.

Age
Sex
Race
Hispanic or Latino Origin
Relationship
Household/Family Type
Subfamilies
Vacancy

Characteristics That Should Not Be Compared: Significant Differences in Question Wording, Tabulation Universes, or Data Processing

In general, Census Bureau analysts have determined that differences between ACS and Census 2000 prohibit an appropriate comparison between the two. While it may be possible for some analyses, the Census Bureau recommends extreme caution.

Migration
Marital Status
Disability Status (available in 2008-2012 ACS)
Plumbing Facilities in Puerto Rico
Contract Rent and Gross Rent
Gross Rent as a Percentage of Household Income
Real Estate Taxes
Telephone Service
Year Moved In
Year Structure Built

Characteristics That Cannot Be Compared: No Census 2000 Data

Characteristics were not available in Census 2000.

Fertility
Food Stamp/SNAP Receipt

Characteristics are not yet available for the ACS 5-year data product and not available in Census 2000.

Marital History (available in 2008-2012 ACS 5-year estimates)
Field of Degree (available in 2009-2013 ACS 5-year estimates)
Disability Status (available in 2008-2012 ACS)
Service-Connected Disability Status (available in 2008-2012 ACS 5-year estimates)
Health Insurance Coverage (available in 2008-2012 ACS 5-year estimates)

Page Last Revised - October 8, 2021

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