American Community Survey (ACS)

American Community Survey Alert, Number 64

(Released February 26, 2009)    Printer Friendly Version of Alert 64

Informing you about news, events, data releases, congressional action, and other developments associated with the American Community Survey (ACS).

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News in this Alert

• * The ACS Compass Products - Educational Materials for ACS PUMS Data Users
• * Contact Us

* The ACS Compass Products - Educational Materials for ACS PUMS Data Users

The U.S. Census Bureau released 2007 ACS 1-year Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) files September 2008 and the 2005-2007 ACS 3-year PUMS files January 2009. Now, to aid in the use of these files, the Census Bureau has released two new ACS Compass Products for PUMS data users.

PUMS files are different from the summary Census data products familiar to many data users. The PUMS files are a sample of the actual responses to the ACS where all responses have been edited to protect the confidentiality of all individuals and of all individual households. These files provide data users with the flexibility to prepare customized tabulations for detailed research and analysis. Some data users find they require guidance for using the PUMS files for the first time and to address this need the Census Bureau has produced the following materials to educate data users on how to access and use the ACS PUMS files:

What Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) Data Users Need to Know - This handbook explains how the PUMS files differ from pre-tabulated ACS data products, how to access PUMS data, and some ways to produce your own tables. Data users already familiar with PUMS files available from Census 2000 can use this handbook to learn how those files differ from the ACS PUMS.

Introduction to the Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) File from the American Community Survey - This presentation provides an explanation of the PUMS file, the available geographies, and how to access these data.

The ACS Compass Products may be found at:
http://www.census.gov/acs/www/UseData/Compass/compass_series.html

*Contact Us

If you have questions or comments about the American Community Survey, please call (800)923-8282 or e-mail cmo.acs@census.gov.

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