December 6, 2018

We are pleased to announce the release of the 2013-2017 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. The ACS is the most relied-on source for up-to-date social, economic, housing, and demographic information every year. These statistics cover all geographic areas regardless of size, down to the block-group level.

The ACS is the only source of local statistics for most of the 40 topics it covers, such as educational attainment, occupation, language spoken at home, nativity, ancestry, and selected monthly homeowner costs.

Visit the Census Bureau's American FactFinder or use the Census API to start exploring these estimates.

Highlights include links to the following:

• Guidance for Data Users: Learn more about the types of data tables and tools available and get guidance about when to use 1-year and 5-year estimates.
• 2013-2017 ACS 5-year Narrative Profiles: 2013-2017 ACS 5-year Narrative Profiles are available as a BETA version for state, county, place, metropolitan/micropolitan statistical area, ZIP Code Tabulation Area, American Indian Area/Alaska Native Area/Hawaiian Home Land and census tract. Narrative Profiles summarize many topics using nontechnical text and graphs. Visit both the ACS Narrative Profiles page and American FactFinder for continuous profile data since 2009.
• Updated 5-year to 5-year Comparison Guidance: Visit our Comparing 2008-2012 ACS 5-year and 2013-2017 ACS 5-year page for guidance on comparing these datasets by subject area.
• Summary File Data: The 2013-2017 ACS 5-year Summary File data on the FTP site are now available. Supporting materials were released last week.
• 5-year Webinar Available: The slides, transcript, and recording from the 2013-2017 ACS 5-year Pre-Release webinar are now available. This webinar covers background information about the ACS, changes for this release, and where to find new data release information on the ACS website. In addition, we demonstrate how to access block group level data in American FactFinder.
• Data Visualization: Check out our latest data visualization, What Can You Learn About Counties from the American Community Survey?, to explore county level data for some of the most popular topics from the 2013-2017 ACS 5-year estimates.

November 29, 2018

We are pleased to announce the first release of documentation in support of the 2013-2017 American Community Survey 5-year estimates scheduled for release on Thursday, December 6, 2018. This documentation offers ACS data users the opportunity to prepare for next week's data release.

New and updated information related to this release is available now on the 2017 Data Release page.

Highlights include links to the following:

• The Table and Geography Changes page explains new and modified tables.
• The Summary File Documentation page includes new 5-year files for the appendix, sequence number/table number lookup files, SAS programs, and macros.
• The Code Lists, Definitions, and Accuracy page includes new instructions for applying statistical testing to the ACS 5-year data.

October 18, 2018

We are pleased to announce the release of the 2017 American Community Survey (ACS) 1-year Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) Files and 2017 American Community Survey (ACS) 1-year Supplemental Estimates.

2017 ACS 1-Year Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) Files

The PUMS files show the full range of population and housing unit responses collected on individual ACS questionnaires for a subsample of ACS housing units and group quarters persons (approximately one percent of the United States population).

The PUMS files allow data users to conduct a custom analysis. Working with PUMS data generally involves downloading large datasets onto a local computer and analyzing the data using statistical software such as R, SPSS, Stata, or SAS.

PUMS data can be accessed via the ACS FTP site, American FactFinder, or via the Census Bureau's DataFerrett tool. DataFerrett is particularly useful for researchers who need a quick statistic or do not have access to statistical software.

For more information, visit the links below:

• About PUMS: Learn more about microdata, Public Use Microdata Areas (PUMAs), and weighting
• Subjects Included in the PUMS: Topics and example variables included in the PUMS files
• PUMS File Structure: Information about the format of PUMS files, as well as when and how to merge them
• PUMS ReadMe: Information about 2017 variable changes, as well as guidance for novice users
• Accuracy of the PUMS: Explanation of the sample design, estimation methodology, and accuracy of the data
• PUMS Estimates for User Verification: If users have doubts about whether they are correctly computing estimates, they can attempt to reproduce these estimates using the replicate weight method

2017 ACS 1-Year Supplemental Estimates

We are pleased to announce the release of the 2017 American Community Survey (ACS) 1-year Supplemental Estimates.

The ACS is the most relied-on source for up-to-date social, economic, housing, and demographic information every year. Supplemental Estimates provide these data for geographies with populations of 20,000 or more, compared to the 65,000 population minimum for the standard ACS 1-year estimates. They are available for the nation, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, every congressional district, every metropolitan area, and all counties and places with populations of 20,000 or more.

Visit the Census Bureau's American FactFinder or use the Census API to start exploring these estimates.

New ACS Data Stories

Check out our latest stories highlighting ACS stats in action:

• Twin Cities Metropolitan Council Uses ACS Data for Infrastructure Investments

Learn how the Twin Cities Metropolitan Council uses ACS data to reduce socioeconomic disparity and support redevelopment projects in Minneapolis.

• Public Opinion Research Lab Uses ACS Data to Conduct Accurate Polls

Explore how the University of North Florida uses ACS data to help measure and improve the effectiveness of the state's "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" media campaign.

We want to learn about the creative ways you use ACS data too! For example, have you or your organization used the ACS to make an important decision, help your community, or open/expand a business? Tell us your story to help us showcase the value of the ACS.

October 11, 2018

We are pleased to announce the first release of documentation in support of the 2017 American Community Survey (ACS) 1-year Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) Files and 2017 ACS 1-year Supplemental Estimates scheduled for release on Thursday, October 18, 2018. This documentation offers ACS data users the opportunity to prepare for next week's data releases.

2017 ACS 1-Year Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) Documentation

The 2017 tab of the PUMS Technical Documentation page now includes subject definitions, the data dictionary, and code lists:

• Subjects in the PUMS: A list of broad topics included in each of the housing and population record files.
• Data Dictionary: Full listing of all variables (and values) included in each of the housing and population record files. New this year: the PUMS Data Dictionary will be available in a new file format (.csv) in response to data user requests for a machine-readable format. 
  
• Code Lists: This document contains the detailed codes for variables that contain a large number of coded responses, such as ancestry and occupation.

More documentation will be released on October 18th along with the 2017 ACS 1-year PUMS files.

2017 ACS 1-Year Supplemental Estimates Documentation

New and updated information related to this release is available now on the 2017 Data Release page. Highlights include links to the following:

• Guidance for Data Users: Learn more about when to use 1-year, 1-year Supplemental, and 5-year estimates.
• Geography and ACS: View the geographic areas with published data for the 1-year Supplemental Estimates.
• Modified Tables: View 2017 table changes for a description of this year's modified table.
• Table Shells: View the layout of tables (without the estimates or margins of error filled in) by exploring the 1-year Supplemental Estimates table shells (hint: they begin with the letter "K").

September 13, 2018

U.S. Census Bureau Releases 2017 American Community Survey (ACS) 1-Year Estimates

We are pleased to announce the release of the 2017 American Community Survey (ACS) 1-Year estimates, the most relied-on source for up-to-date social, economic, and housing information every year. The ACS is the only source of local statistics for most of the 40+ topics it covers, such as educational attainment, occupation, language spoken at home, ancestry, and selected monthly homeowner costs.

ACS 1-year estimates are available for the nation, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, every congressional district, every metropolitan area, and all counties and places with populations of 65,000 or more. To find out if these estimates are available for your county or city, please consult our Reference Materials.

Visit the Census Bureau's American FactFinder or use the Census API to start exploring these estimates. For more information, visit the links below:

• Pre-Release Webinar: View a recorded webinar highlighting important changes for the 2017 ACS 1-year release and a demonstration on how to access the data in American FactFinder.
• 2017 Summary File: Download all of the ACS Detailed Tables via the Summary File on the FTP. Instructions and other technical information are available on the Summary File Documentation page.
• Guidance for Data Users: Learn more about the types of data tables and tools available, and get guidance about when to use 1-year and 5-year estimates.

• 2017 Changes: Visit our 2017 Data Release page to learn about table and geography changes, and the 2017 Comparison Guidance page to learn how these estimates compare to previous ACS estimates, the 2000 Census, and Census 2010.
• Preview New Data Exploration Platform: Preview our new data exploration platform at data.census.gov and email cedsci.feedback@census.gov with your comments on the look, feel, and functionality of this ongoing development. Selected statistics from the 2017 ACS 1-year release are included in the preview platform.

New Data Visualizations

What Can You Learn from the American Community Survey

Visualize some of the most popular ACS statistics across states, congressional districts, and metropolitan statistical areas.

ACS Data Wheel

Explore 9 key statistics for your state, congressional district, or metropolitan statistical area. 

September 6, 2018

We are pleased to announce the first release of documentation in support of the 2017 American Community Survey 1-year estimates scheduled for release on Thursday, September 13, 2018. This documentation offers ACS data users the opportunity to prepare for next week's data release.

New and updated information related to this release is available now on the 2017 Data Release page.

Highlights include links to the following:

• The Table & Geography Changes page explains new, modified, and removed tables, as well as information on changes to geography.
• The Code Lists, Definitions, and Accuracy page includes code lists, subject definitions, group quarters definitions and instructions for applying statistical testing.
• The Summary File Documentation page includes the technical document, table shells, and sequence/table number lookup files.  New this year: the 1-year appendices include the topics and universe for each table number.
• Table Shells display the layout of the tables without the estimates or margins of error filled in.
• The Geography Boundaries by Year page shows which vintage of geography the 2017 ACS 1-year estimates are based on.
• The Areas Published page lists the total number of geographic areas that receive 2017 ACS 1-year estimates. An excel file also details the specific geographies that have published data.

June 25, 2018

We want to hear about the creative ways you use American Community Survey (ACS) data!

Have you or your organization used the ACS to make an important decision, help your community, or open/expand a business? Tell us your story to help us showcase the value of the ACS.

Need help getting started? Check out the latest stories showcasing how data experts in Arizona and Washington are using the ACS to promote economic development and homeownership.

May 24, 2018

2017 American Community Survey 1-year Estimates

The 2017 American Community Survey (ACS) 1-year estimates will be released on Thursday, September 13, 2018.  These data will be available for the nation, all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, every congressional district, every metropolitan area, and all counties and places with populations of 65,000 or more. The 2017 ACS 1-year Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) files and 2017 ACS 1-year Supplemental Estimates will be released on Thursday, October 18, 2018.

2013-2017 American Community Survey 5-year Estimates

The 2013-2017 ACS 5-year estimates will be released on Thursday, December 6, 2018. These data will be available for all geographic areas including census tracts, ZIP Code Tabulation Areas (ZCTAs), and block groups. The 2013-2017 ACS 5-year PUMS files and 2013-2017 ACS 5-year Variance Replicate Estimates will be released on Thursday, January 17, 2019.

For more information on the release schedule, visit 2017 ACS Release Schedule.

January 18, 2018

2012-2016 ACS 5-Year Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS)

We are pleased to announce the release of the 2012-2016 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) files. 

The ACS 5-year PUMS files show the full range of population and housing unit responses collected on individual ACS questionnaires for a subsample of ACS housing units and group quarters persons (approximately five percent of the United States population).

PUMS files allow data users to conduct a custom analysis, though the files also tend to be more complicated to use. Working with PUMS data generally involves downloading large datasets onto a local computer and analyzing them using statistical software such as R, SPSS, Stata, or SAS.

PUMS data can be accessed via the Census Bureau's FTP site, American FactFinder, or via the DataFerrett tool. This tool is particularly useful for researchers who need a quick statistic or do not have access to statistical software.

For more information, explore the new 2012-2016 ACS 5-year PUMS Technical Documentation:

• PUMS ReadMe: Information about geography and variable changes, as well as guidance for novice users.
• Code Lists: This document contains the detailed codes for variables that contain a large number of coded responses, such as ancestry and occupation.
• Subjects in the PUMS: A list of broad topics included in each of the housing and population record files.
• Data Dictionary: Full listing of all variables (and values) included in each of the housing and population record files.
• Accuracy of the PUMS: Explanation of the sample design, estimation methodology, and accuracy of the data.
• PUMS Estimates for User Verification: If users have doubts about whether they are correctly computing estimates, they can attempt to reproduce these estimates (using the replicate weight method).

2012-2016 ACS 5-Year Variance Replicate Estimate Tables

We are pleased to announce the release of the 2012-2016 ACS Variance Replicate Estimate Tables. These tables allow advanced users to calculate margins of error (MOEs) when collapsing data within a table or across geographies. This method provides a more accurate MOE than available approximation formulas.  

To access these estimates, visit the Variance Replicate Estimates page or through the Census Bureau's FTP site.

For more information visit the Variance Replicate Estimate Tables documentation page which includes technical documentation, a table and geography list, and table shells.

January 11, 2018

2012-2016 ACS 5-Year Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) Documentation

We are pleased to announce the first release of documentation in support of the 2012-2016 ACS 5-year Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) files. This documentation offers ACS data users the opportunity to prepare for next week's release of the PUMS files on January 18, 2018.

The 2016 tab of the PUMS Technical Documentation page now includes code lists, subject definitions, and the data dictionary:

• Code Lists: This document contains the detailed codes for variables that contain a large number of coded responses, such as ancestry and occupation.
• Subjects in the PUMS: A list of broad topics included in each of the housing and population record files.
• Data Dictionary: Full listing of all variables (and values) included in each of the housing and population record files.

More documentation will be released on January 18th along with the 2012-2016 ACS 5-year PUMS files.

2012-2016 ACS 5-Year Variance Replicate Estimate Tables Documentation

We are pleased to announce the release of documentation in support of the 2012-2016 ACS Variance Replicate Estimate Tables. This documentation offers ACS data users the opportunity to prepare for next week's release of the Variance Replicate Estimate Tables on January 18, 2018.

Variance Replicate Estimate Tables allow advanced users to calculate margins of error (MOEs) when collapsing data within a table or across geographies. The 2016 tab of the Variance Replicate Estimate Tables documentation page now includes technical documentation, a table and geography list, and table shells:

• 2012-2016 Variance Replicate Estimate Tables Technical Documentation: Learn how to calculate margins of error for aggregated estimates, percentages, and ratios through these instructions with worked examples.
• Variance Replicate Estimate Table and Geography List: Learn which tables and types of geographic areas have variance replicate estimates.
• Table Shells: View the layout of tables without the estimates or margins of error filled in.

New and updated information related to these releases are available now on the 2016 Data Release page.