Today’s annual release of American Community Survey statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau helps communities, organizations, businesses and governments make informed decisions by providing information on more than 40 topics, from educational attainment to commuting to language spoken at home.

Retailers, homebuilders, police departments and city planners are among the many private- and public-sector decision-makers who count on these important statistics. Here are a few examples of how Census Bureau statistics from the American Community Survey helps make a difference in local communities.

KaBOOM!

KaBOOM! uses American Community Survey statistics, such as median household income and the number of children 12 and under, to identify populations in need of play equipment where playgrounds would get the most use. They use these statistics as a baseline for their program to promote the concept that “Play matters for all kids!” KaBOOM! has created over 2,500 playgrounds across the country to  serve more than 6.5 million children.

National Institutes of Health and RTI International

Scientists from the National Institutes of Health and RTI International use American Community Survey statistics to create “synthetic” populations and simulate the spread of disease. This allows decision-makers to determine the effect of disease transmission and prepare for the next potential outbreak.

Transportation Planning

How many people in your area are on the road and when?  Transportation is a critical part of our nation’s infrastructure. Statistics from the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey allow planners to determine the most effective use of transportation spending and the delivery of services.

Emergency Planning

The U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey provides statistics that communities use to make decisions about resources, such as after a natural disaster. These statistics are critical to emergency planning, preparedness and recovery efforts. For example, the American Community Survey provides detailed information on how many people in a community may need extra assistance during a disaster, such as the elderly, disabled or those who speak a language other than English. Knowing these specific details about local communities gives decision makers the information they need to plan and efficiently deploy resources and to accurately measure the impact of a disaster. Visit the Stats in Action page to see some examples.

These are just a few examples of how your community may use everyday statistics. Tell us how you use the American Community Survey in the comments below.