Detailed social, economic, housing, and demographic data from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) can strengthen and localize many news and feature stories.

Throughout the year ACS collects new data from randomly-selected addresses in the United States and Puerto Rico. Using ACS data, you can:

Find statistics to support specific points
Sift through data to see patterns
Spot economic and demographic trends

ACS data are produced for geographic areas ranging from neighborhoods to congressional districts to the entire nation.

ACS Data Topics for Media

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:

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
Poverty Status
Race and Hispanic or Latino Origin
Rent
Tenure (Owner/Renter) and Value of Home
Veteran Status

Top ACS Resources

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 Journalists provides a deeper dive than the Information Guide and also includes case studies for using the ACS. For quick information on ACS data to jump-start data-driven stories, check out our fact sheet for journalists.

ACS Information Guide Page

ACS Handbook for Journalists

Understanding and Using American Community Survey Data: What Journalists Need to Know [5.5 MB]

American Community Survey

ACS Factsheet for Journalists

The American Community Survey: Fact Sheet for Journalists [2.5 MB]

American Community Survey

Explore our Webinars

Webinar

Journalists and the American Community Survey

July 12, 2023

Learn more about the American Community Survey (ACS) and data available for journalists to use to strengthen and localize their stories.

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.

ACS Data Page

Questions? Contact Us to Learn More.

For more information, resources and interviews, contact the Public Information Office by clicking the "Newsroom" section below. You can also view news specific to the ACS.