American Community Survey

• About the American Community Survey
  • Why were you selected?
  • Why should you participate?
    • ACS helps communities (video)
  • How to respond to the survey or get help
    • Respond Online
    • Respond Online Video
    • Respond by Mail
    • Respond by Phone
    • In-person Interview
    • FAQs
  • For people living in group housing
  • Questions on the form and why we ask
    • Income
    • Place of work/Journey to work
  • How we protect your privacy
    • Census Oath of Non-Disclosure
  • Is the American Community Survey legitimate?
  • Sample forms and instructions
• American Community Survey and 2010 Census
• About the Puerto Rico Community Survey
  • Sample forms and instructions
• Operations and Administration of the ACS
  • ACS Program Review
    • FAQs
  • 2011 American Community Survey Improvements

Resources for

• American Indian and Alaska Native Population
• Media
• Congress

American Community Survey and the 2010 Census

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What is the difference between the American Community Survey and the 2010 Census?

The American Community Survey (ACS) is conducted every year to provide up-to-date information about the social and economic needs of your community. The ACS shows how people live--our education, housing, jobs and more. For example, results may be used to decide where new schools, hospitals, and emergency services are needed.

The census is conducted once every 10 years to provide an official count of the entire U.S. population to Congress. The 2010 Census was recently conducted results will be released soon.

Do I have to answer both the American Community Survey and the 2010 Census?

Yes. Your response to both is important and required by law (Title 13, U.S. Code). Your responses will also help provide local and national leaders with the information they need for planning and for programs.

Why can't you use my census answers for the American Community Survey?

The American Community Survey includes questions that are not asked by the 2010 Census, and the two serve different purposes.

Your answers are confidential. Every Census Bureau employee takes a lifetime oath to protect your personal identification. Disclosing ANY information that could identify you or your family means 5 years in prison, or $250,000 in fines, or both.