Why were you selected?

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Why did I get an American Community Survey?

Your address was selected as a part of a sample and represents thousands of other households like yours. We randomly select about 3.5 million addresses each year to participate in the survey.

Do I have to answer these questions?

ACS Sample Mail-in Form

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

The relevant laws are Title 18 U.S.C Section 3571 and Section 3559, which amends Title 13 U.S.C. Section 221.

Your answers are important. As part of a sample, you represent many other people. Find out how each question helps your community, your state, and the federal government in questions on the form and why we ask.

How do I benefit?

The information that the Census Bureau collects helps to determine how more than $400 billion dollars of federal funding each year are spent on infrastructure and services. Your answers help state and local leaders make decisions about programs and investments such as new highways, schools, hospitals, job training, community centers, and emergency services.

Thank you for your time and effort. It makes a difference!