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.

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.

Narrative Profiles

Narrative Profiles (NP) are short, analytic reports covering 15 topic areas. Each NP provides text and bar charts for a selected geographic area.

Ranking Tables

Ranking Tables provide state-level rankings on approximately 90 key ACS variables and are very popular among journalists.

QuickFacts

QuickFacts provides frequently requested Census Bureau information at the national, state, county, and city level.

data.census.gov

Data.census.gov is the Census Bureau's main data dissemination platform.

My Congressional District

Access selected statistics about your Congressional district collected through the American Community Survey (ACS) and County Business Patterns (CBP).

My Tribal Area

Access selected statistics collected for the American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) population from the American Community Survey (ACS).

OnTheMap for Emergency Management

Access U.S. population and workforce statistics, in real time, for areas being affected by natural disasters.

Microdata Access

Create custom tables within data.census.gov using Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) files.

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.

Newsroom

The latest press releases and statements from the U.S. Census Bureau. Also, find upcoming events, and useful information for journalists and media.

American Community Survey News

Browse press releases about American Community Survey products and publications.