American Community Survey
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Question Corner
for Survey Respondents
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Do I have to fill out the questionnaire?
Yes. You are legally obligated to answer all the questions, as accurately as you can. More.
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.
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.
Call Us
- General 1-800-923-8282
- Questionnaire 1-800-354-7271
- ¿Ayuda? 1-877-833-5625
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.
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.
Respond Online
- It's confidential & secure.
- It's economical.
- It's greener.
- It's user-friendly.
Find out more about responding online.
Latest Data — 2007-2011 ACS 5-Year Estimates
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.*
- Learn more about the 2011 ACS 5-Year Data Release
- Access the data directly on the American FactFinder website.
*ZCTA's = ZIP Code Tabulation Areas
Training Presentations updated
part of the American Community Survey's Compass Products
Newly updated to include instructions for using the new American FactFinder, information about internet data collection, and details about tracts and block groups. Six presentations and speaker notes were updated including:
- Data Products
- Geographic Area and Concepts
- Understanding Multiyear Estimates
Browse all training presentations.
American Community Survey: Measuring America's needs
“Your answers to the American Community Survey provide the solutions communities need.”
ACS Briefs & Video - Housing Topics
- Rental Housing Market Condition Measures: A Comparison of US Metropolitan Areas
- Physical Characteristics of Housing
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.
Before you get started filling out the questionnaire, click through our interactive form that explains how the collected information helps communities. (Flash required). Or get our pdf's on why we ask specific questions.
New Report on Out-of-State and Long Commutes
Trends in Commuting are explored in this new report. Highlights include which states have the longest commutes, the most out-of-state commuters and more. Download Out-of-State and Long Commutes: 2011 based on data collected from the American Community Survey.
How the ACS Works for Your Community
View a visual representation of the data collection process of the ACS and how this translates into dollars for your community to help fund school-lunch programs, place new hospitals, build new businesses and take other actions that lead to healthy towns and cites. (Text version also available.)
Transportation is a critical part of our nation's infrastructure
Learn how your answers on the American Community Survey help communities make smarter decisions about transportation resources to keep America moving.
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available free from Adobe.
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