Thank you for your interest in the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS). The ACS is an ongoing survey that provides vital information on a yearly basis about our nation and its people. Information from the survey generates data that help inform how trillions of dollars in federal funds are distributed each year.

Explore the links below to learn more about ACS through resources and handbooks, about responding to the ACS, 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.

The ACS Course: Discovering the American Community Survey provides a comprehensive overview of the ACS. The course provides ACS foundational information such as topics, tools, geographies and population thresholds for data coverage, how to find information on the survey questions, data release schedules and more. View the video to the first module in this course below.  

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
• Income & Earnings
• Language Spoken at Home
• Poverty Status
• Race and Hispanic or Latino Origin
• Rent; Selected Monthly Owner Costs
• Tenure (Owner/Renter) and Value of Home
• Vehicles Available
• Veteran Status

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 All Data Users provides a deeper dive than the Information Guide and also includes case studies for using the ACS. The ACS Data Tools and Resources Flyer showcases ways to access ACS data, and the ACS Resource Hub Flyer connects you to ACS resources and access to data experts.

Responding to the ACS is crucial for quality data that helps direct trillions of dollars of federal spending for programs that help your community every year. Please encourage others to respond when selected, and visit the links below to learn more.

There are many ways to access ACS data. Try the most popular tools or visit the ACS Data page for the full list.

Check out our FAQs, request a training or assistance with a local Data Dissemination Specialist, or contact us to learn more.

There are many ways to access ACS data. Try the most popular tools or visit the ACS Data page for the full list.