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American Community Survey

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Question Corner
   for Survey Respondents

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Why do you need to know how much money I make?

Income data are used to determine poverty status, to measure economic well-being, and to assess the need for assistance. These data are included in federal allocation formulas for many government programs. More.

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Why did I get the American Community Survey form?

Your address was selected as part of a sample. Your responses will represent other households in your community. More.

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Why is the Census Bureau calling me?

If you don't mail back your form or if you leave questions blank, we may call you. More.

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Why do you ask what time I leave for work?

We ask about what time you leave for work to develop statistics on commuting patterns. Commuting data are essential for planning highway improvements and developing public transportation services. More.

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How do you protect my information?

We never reveal your identity to anybody else. By law, the Census Bureau cannot share respondents' answers with anyone, -- not the IRS, not the FBI, not the CIA, and not with any other government agency. More.

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Do I have to fill out the questionnaire?

Yes. You are legally obligated to answer all the questions, as accurately as you can. More.

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Is the American Community Survey legitimate?

Yes. The American Community Survey is legitimate. It is a survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. More.

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Can I respond to the survey online?

Yes. Most people can respond to the American Community Survey online. If you received a letter or postcard inviting you to complete the ACS online, you will need the materials to begin. More.

Language Brochures

Questions and Answers about the American Community Survey in 11 languages. [pdf format]

What is the American Community Survey

The American Community Survey (ACS) is an ongoing statistical survey that samples a small percentage of the population every year -- giving communities the information they need to plan investments and services. Learn more.

Learn ways to respond to the ACS or get help with the survey. Learn more about how we protect your privacy; why you were selected; why it's important to participate; why we ask specific questions and more in About the Survey.

How can I use the ACS data?

Start learning about the ACS with three tips about the data. Find additional information about geography in the ACS, comparison guidance, and user specific handbooks. Learn more in Guidance for Data Users.

2007-2011 ACS 5-Year Estimates Are Now Available

American Community Survey's annual data release provides statistics on a variety of population and housing topics for the nation, states, and your community. New this year -- 5-year estimates now avaible for ZCTA's.*

*ZCTA's = ZIP Code Tabulation Areas

choose a topicGet 2011 Data for the United States
Get 2011 5-Year Poverty Data for the US Get 2011 5-Year Commuting to Work Estimates for the US Get 2011 5-Year Income Estimates for the US Get 2011 5-Year Veterans Estimates for the US Get 2011 5-Year Family Estimates for the US Get 2011 5-Year Language Estimates for the US Get 2011 5-Year Education Estimates for the US Get 2011 5-Year Employment Estimates for the US Get 2011 5-Year Race and Ethnicity Estimates for the US Get 2011 5-Year Ancestry Estimates for the US Get 2011 5-Year Origins Estimates for the US Get 2011 5-Year Age Sex and Aging Estimates for the US Get 2011 5-Year Housing Estimates for the US Get 2011 5-Year Population Change Estimates for the US

American Community Survey: Measuring the dynamic changes in America

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“The American Community Survey shows us WHO we are and HOW we are changing... The ACS is the only source for local comparable data.”

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Tabulation is now Available!

The Equal Employment Opportunity Tabulation is based on 2006-2010 ACS 5-year data.

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Respond Online.

Respond Online

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Find out more about responding online.

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American Community Survey form

Did you receive a survey?

Learn why you were selected; why you should participate; how to respond; how we protect your privacy; why we ask specific questions; and more in About the Survey.

Race, Tribal, Hispanic Origin and Ancestry Groups

New Statistics for Race, Tribal, Hispanic Origin and Ancestry Groups

Explore new U.S. race and ethnicity statistics, available for the first time since the 2000 Census. Learn more about this special data release. Get Selected Population Tables | American Indian and Alaska Native Tables.

This Business owner uses ACS data

An American Community

The ACS enables decision-makers to appropriately fund school-lunch programs, place new hospitals, build new businesses and take other actions that lead to healthy towns and cites. Learn how decision-makers use ACS statistics to help your community: An American Community infographic.

Target manager uses American Community Survey data

Learn how Target and others use American Community Survey data to make business decisions.

Target uses statistical information from the American Community Survey (ACS) to understand more about communities and better serve their guests.


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Get Data Profile Tables on American FactFinderCurrent Data Profiles


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  • General 1-800-923-8282
  • Questionnaire 1-800-354-7271
  • ¿Ayuda? 1-877-833-5625
Source: U.S. Census Bureau | American Community Survey Office | Email ACS | Last Revised: February 01, 2013
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