American Community Survey

• Methodology Main
• Sample Size and Data Quality
  • Sample Size - Data
    • Sample Size - Definitions
  • Response Rates - Data
    • Response Rates - Definitions
  • Coverage Rates - Data
    • Coverage Rates - Definitions
  • Item Allocation Rates - Data
    • Item Allocation Rates - Definitions
• 2006 Content Test
  • Summary of Results
  • Basic Demographic Questions
  • Person Questions
  • Housing Questions
  • Limitations
  • Report Series
• Questionnaire Archive
  • Summary of Questionnaire Changes
• Special Data Studies

Survey Methodology Main

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Download Full Report [PDF 4.0MB]

The Design and Methodology Report contains descriptions of the basic design of the American Community Survey and details of the full set of methods and procedures.

Download by chapter:

• Foreword [PDF 469KB]
• Table of Contents [PDF 447KB]
• Chapter 1.  Introduction [PDF 425KB]
• Chapter 2.  Program History [PDF 606KB]
• Chapter 3.  Frame Development [PDF 473KB]
• Chapter 4.  Sample Design and Selection [PDF 135KB] Revised 12/2010
  • Sample Design and Selection [PDF 533KB] Original version
• Chapter 5.  Content Development Process [PDF 484KB]
• Chapter 6.  Survey Rules, Concepts and Definitions [PDF 446KB]
• Chapter 7.  Data Collection and Capture for Housing Units [PDF 487KB]
• Chapter 8.  Data Collection and Capture for Group Quarters [PDF 454KB]
• Chapter 9.  Language Assistance Program [PDF 434KB]
• Chapter 10.  Data Preparation and Processing for Housing Units and Group Quarters [PDF 2.8 MB]
• Chapter 11.  Weighting and Estimation [PDF 225KB] Revised 12/2010
  • Weighting and Estimation [PDF 567KB] Original version
• Chapter 12.  Variance Estimation [PDF 123KB] Revised 12/2010
  • Variance Estimation [PDF 548KB] Original version
• Chapter 13.  Preparation and Review of Data Products [PDF 459KB]
• Chapter 14.  Data Dissemination [PDF 428KB]
• Chapter 15.  Improving Data Quality by Reducing Nonsampling Error [PDF 484KB]
• Glossary of Terms [PDF 518KB]
• Acronyms [PDF 428KB]

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