Beginning in 2019, the Census Bureau implemented changes to the Relationship to Householder question based on the results of the 2016 American Community Survey (ACS) Content Test. The ACS now collects specific information about whether a household member is the opposite-sex spouse, opposite-sex unmarried partner, same-sex spouse, or same-sex unmarried partner of the householder. Collection of this detailed information addresses known data quality issues and improves the measurement of same-sex couple households.

In addition to the new detailed information regarding spouse and unmarried partner households, the ACS no longer includes the roomer/boarder category as a response option to the Relationship to Householder question.  Cognitive testing results demonstrate that many respondents were unclear on the distinction between the housemate/roommate and roomer/boarder categories.

Consequently, the new version of the Relationship to Householder question requires some modification of existing products, including the wording and structure of the affected tables. Tables that previously referenced “No husband or wife present” will now state “No spouse present.”

For additional information regarding changes to the Relationship to Householder question in Census Bureau surveys, visit the Same-Sex Couples page.