Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock (
) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Topics
Data & Maps
Surveys & Programs
Resource Library
American Community Survey Resources for Congress
The American Community Survey (ACS) is an ongoing survey that provides data every year -- giving communities the current information they need to plan investments and services. ACS data help inform how trillions of dollars in federal funds are distributed each year.
With topics ranging from ancestry, to migration, to homeownership data, the ACS is a direct descendent of the Census Bureau's decennial long form that went to sample households in every census from 1940 to 2000.
Congressional offices may contact the Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs (OCIA) for direct assistance with inquiries at 301-763-6100, cao@census.gov.
ACS Data Topics for Congress
The ACS produces population and housing data on over 40 different topics, many of which are regularly used for Congressional planning and funding projects. Examples of these subjects include:
- Citizen Voting-Age Population
- Computer and Internet Use
- Disability Status
- Educational Attainment and School Enrollment
- Food Stamps/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Health Insurance Coverage
- Language Spoken at Home
- Occupants per Room
- Poverty Status
- Race and Hispanic or Latino Origin
- Rent
- Tenure (Owner/Renter) and Value of Home
- Vehicles Available
- Veteran Status
Top ACS Resources for Congress
The ACS Information Guide provides an overview of the history of the ACS, its data collection process, data topics, and more. The ACS Handbook for Congress provides a deeper dive than the Information Guide and provides an overview of how members of Congress use ACS data for important legislative purposes. The ACS Flyer for Congress contains answers to commonly asked constituent questions.
Questions About Receiving or Responding to the ACS?
If your constituents have questions about the ACS, we can help you obtain answers. Through the Respond to the ACS pages, you can learn where to respond online, learn about other ways to respond, get help responding to the ACS, and read up on the frequently asked questions. Constituents who participate in the ACS make a genuine and important contribution to their community, state, and nation. Please thank them for contributing!
Respond to the ACS
Learn the different ways to respond to the American Community Survey -- online, by phone, by email. Read our FAQs or call us for more help with the survey.
Sample ACS & PRCS Forms and Instructions
Browse sample American Community Survey questionnaires in English and Spanish with instruction guides - 1996 through present.
Language Brochures
Questions and Answers about the ACS in العربية, 中文, Français, Kreyòl ayisyen, 한 국 어, Polski, Português, русский, Español, Việt Ngữ
Top Questions About the Survey
Find answers to common questions on the American Community Survey—Is it legitimate? Is my response required? Why was I selected?—and more!
Are You in a Survey? Help for Survey Participants
If you have received a survey, this site will help you verify that the survey came from us, understand and complete the form, and know how we protect your data.
Respondent Advocate
If you are with a congressional office or have not yet found a resolution to your concern, contact the Office of the Respondent Advocate.
ACS Data Stories–Stats in Action!
Explore our collection of American Community Survey data stories to discover how the ACS works for you, your organization, and your community.
Access ACS Data
There are many ways to access data. Try the most popular tools or visit the ACS Data page for the full list.
Congressional and State Legislative Districts
Access special data products produced specifically for the new 118th congressional districts.
My Congressional District
My Congressional District gives you quick and easy access to selected statistics collected by the U.S. Census Bureau through the American Community Survey (ACS) and County Business Patterns (CBP).
QuickFacts
QuickFacts provides statistics for all states and counties, and for cities and towns with a population of 5,000 or more.
data.census.gov
Data.census.gov is the new platform to access data and digital content from the U.S. Census Bureau.
American Community Survey Data
The American Community Survey releases new data every year, in the form of estimates, in a variety of tables, tools, and analytical reports.
Contact us to Learn More.
Check out our FAQs, reach out to the Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs office, or contact us to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about the ACS through our answers to our Frequently Asked Questions.
Congressional & Intergovernmental Affairs
This office advises Congress, and tribal and intergovernmental associations on Census Bureau programs and policies, and advises the Census Bureau’s management.
Contact Us
Learn how to contact the American Community Survey if you have questions about completing the survey, finding data, or using data.
Page Last Revised - June 4, 2024
✕
Is this page helpful?
Yes
No
Yes
No✕
NO THANKS
255 characters maximum
255 characters maximum reached
255 characters maximum reached
✕
Thank you for your feedback.
Comments or suggestions?
Comments or suggestions?
