The U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (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 the State Data Center (SDC) Program, about ACS resources and handbooks, about responding to the ACS, or how to find ACS data. You can also contact your SDC to get assistance with questions, to view training materials, or contact us to request a training with a local Census Bureau Data Dissemination Specialist.

The SDC Program is one of the Census Bureau's longest and most successful partnerships. The partnership was created in 1978 to make data available locally to the public through a network of state agencies, universities, libraries, and regional and local governments. Since its creation, the SDC Program has provided access and education on Census Bureau data and products as well as other statistical resources to millions of data users. The SDCs also provide training. 

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
• Food Stamps/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Health Insurance Coverage
• Language Spoken at Home
• Poverty Status
• Race and Hispanic or Latino Origin
• Rent
• School Enrollment
• Tenure (Owner/Renter) and Value of Home
• 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 State and Local Government Handbook provides a brief overview of how state and local governments are using ACS data to develop plans, to help implement and evaluate local initiatives, to attract and retain businesses, and for other applications. It also describes some important considerations when working with ACS data—especially using estimates for small geographic areas.  The ACS Data Tools and Resources Flyer showcases ways to access ACS data.