ACS Compass Handbooks for Data Users
Comparing ACS Data to Other Sources
American FactFinder – Online portal to Census Bureau data
American Community Survey
The American Community Survey (ACS) is a nationwide survey from the U.S. Census Bureau that replaces the decennial census “long form” survey. The ACS collects demographic, social, economic and housing information from the U.S. population on a continuous basis, and publishes data annually instead of every 10 years.
ACS data are published in three series: 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year estimates. The 3-year and 5-year estimates are based on data collected and averaged over multiple years for a larger sample size, making the dataset more representative and statistically reliable.
ACS Demographic Profiles
Follow the links below to access ACS summary profiles for counties, cities and towns, census designated places (CDP), and metropolitan statistical areas (MSA) in the region. To access the full range of available ACS data products, visit the Census Bureau’s American FactFinder online data portal.
Caution: Always use the same estimate series when comparing ACS data for different time periods and geographies.
| 5-Year Estimates: For geographic areas with <20,000 population. | |
| Data Years | |
| 2005-09 | |
| 3-Year Estimates: For geographic areas with 20,000+ population. | |
| Data Years | |
| 2008-10 | |
| 2007-09 | |
| 2006-08 | |
| 2005-07 | |
| 1-Year Estimates: For geographic areas with 65,000+ population. | |
| Data Year | |
| 2010 | |
| 2009 | |
| 2008 | |
| 2007 | |
| 2006 | |
| 2005 | |
Frequently Asked Questions
Download the PSRC User’s Guide to the American Community Survey (ACS) for answers to questions such as:
- How is the ACS different from the decennial census long form survey?
- Can I compare ACS data with decennial census data?
- What is a Margin of Error?
- Which estimate series should I use?
More Information
Contact
Neil Kilgren, 206-971-3602