American Community Survey (ACS)

The American Community Survey (ACS) is an ongoing national survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. Part of the federal decennial census program, the ACS was designed to replace the long form or sample portion of the decennial census, starting in 2010. By conducting monthly surveys of a sample of the U.S. population, the ACS collects economic, social, and housing information continuously rather than every 10 years. The ACS does not replace the decennial enumeration, which is constitutionally mandated for apportioning congressional seats. It is expected that the ACS program will improve the quality of the decennial census, because the elimination of long-form questions should increase response and allow more focused non-response follow-up.

Eventually, the ACS will supply data for the same geographic levels that have ...