American Community Survey Overview

American Community Survey

The U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) is a new approach to producing critical information about the characteristics of local communities. It is an ongoing, nationwide survey that provides annually updated, detailed demographic, socioeconomic, and housing information for communities across the country. Moreover, the ACS is also part of the 2010 Decennial Census Program.

By its sample design, the ACS accumulates independent monthly sample data as time passes. This allows for the release of estimates for smaller geographic areas once enough sample has been accumulated. For more information, including release schedules, technical documentation and data on the American FactFinder web site (to make data queries), follow the links below.

If you have questions about the ACS you can contact BBER-Data Bank staff by calling (505)277-6626 or by e-mailing dbinfo@unm.edu.

Technical Documents:

Using Data from the 2005 American Community Survey 31 pg. PDF report
Quick Guide to the 2005 ACS 46 pg. PDF report
Design and Methodology for the ACS 423 pg. PDF
2005 ACS Products by Geography
2005 ACS Table Outline Shells zipped Excel file

Release Schedules:

ACS Release Schedule Incl. 2006 and long-term

Additional Documentation:

Census 2000 and 2005 ACS Comparison Issues 5 pg. PDF (Prepared by the New York State Data Center, Empire State Development)
Ten Things to Know About ACS (Prepared by the Missouri State Data Center)

Click here to go to data from the American FactFinder web site. Select "data sets" from the blue bars on the left, then select ACS.

Bureau of Business & Economic Research, UNM /bber@unm.edu
Last Revised: 10/20/06