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Resource Library
American Community Survey Resources for Businesses
As the premier source of social, economic, housing, and demographic estimates for local areas, the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) provides businesses with a wealth of free information that they can use for selecting a new location or for evaluating the target market or workforce characteristics. Many businesses also need workers with specific degrees and need to know where those workers live, how long it takes them to get to work, and whether they drive or take public transportation. The ACS provides detailed information about the population and workforce in local communities.
Explore the links below to see a video on how a utility company uses ACS data, learn more about ACS through resources and handbooks or how to find ACS data. You can also contact us for questions or request a training with a local Census Bureau Data Dissemination Specialist.
ACS Data Topics for Businesses
The ACS produces population and housing data on over 40 different topics, many of which are regularly used to make important business decisions. Examples of these subjects include:
- Age; Sex
- Commuting and Place of Work (including residence and workplace geography)
- Computer and Internet Use
- Educational Attainment and Undergraduate Field of Degree
- Employment Status
- Health Insurance Coverage
- Language Spoken at Home
- Poverty Status
- Race and Hispanic or Latino Origin
- Tenure (Owner/Renter) and Value of Home
- Veteran Status
Top ACS Resources
The ACS Business Handbook helps business data users learn how to access and use ACS data and provides concrete examples of how ACS data can answer real world questions. The ACS Information Guide provides an overview of the history of the ACS, its data collection process, data topics, and more. The ACS Data Tools and Resources Flyer showcases ways to access ACS data.
ACS Information Guide Page
Explore our Webinars
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Exploring Census Data Webinar SeriesLearn how to access and use Census Bureau data through practical, real-world applications. -
WebinarExploring Census Data: EmploymentThe webinar includes a demonstration on how to find key data and crucial information while discovering gems and resources connected to employment statistics. -
WebinarExploring Census Data Webinar: RetailThe session includes how to find key data from retail trade surveys and the American Community Survey.
Real-Life ACS Stories
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Commute Shed Reports Use ACS Data to Support Economic DevelopmentLearn about the innovative ways the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) is using ACS data to draw potential businesses to their region in Arizona. -
VideoStats In Action: Target Uses American Community Survey (ACS) DataTarget uses statistical information from the ACS to understand more about communities and better serve their guests. -
VideoStats in Action: NerdWalletNerdWallet tells how they use ACS data to create accessible online tools and provide research to help consumers take control of their monetary choices.
Utility Company Uses ACS Data to Support Customer Access to Electric Vehicle Charging
Learn how National Grid, an electric utility in the Northeast, used data from the ACS to better understand how to support customer access to electric vehicle charging in the video below.
Access ACS Data
There are many ways to access ACS data. Try the most popular tools or visit the ACS Data page for the full list.
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data.census.govData.census.gov is the Census Bureau's main data dissemination platform. -
QuickFactsQuickFacts provides frequently requested Census Bureau information at the national, state, county, and city level. -
Census Business Builder (CBB)Census Business Builder offers small business owners selected Census Bureau & other statistics to guide their research for opening or expanding their business. -
OnTheMap for Emergency ManagementAccess U.S. population and workforce statistics, in real time, for areas being affected by natural disasters. -
Microdata AccessCreate custom tables within data.census.gov using Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) files. -
Application Programming Interface (API) and the Developers ForumUse the API to access the same ACS data found on data.census.gov and Microdata Access, as well as additional historical ACS datasets and special tabulations.
Questions? Contact us to Learn More.
Check out our FAQs, request a training or assistance with a local Data Dissemination Specialist, or contact us to learn more.
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Frequently Asked QuestionsLearn more about the ACS through our answers to our Frequently Asked Questions. -
Request a TrainingRequest a training from our team of Data Dissemination Specialists who can provide trainings, workshops, and presentations at no cost. -
Contact UsLearn how to contact the American Community Survey if you have questions about completing the survey, finding data, or using data.
There are many ways to access ACS data. Try the most popular tools or visit the ACS Data page for the full list.
Page Last Revised - January 31, 2025
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