An Investigation of Data Release Rules for Medians and Zero Estimates for the ACS
An Investigation of Data Release Rules for Medians and Zero Estimates for the ACS
The American Community Survey (ACS) uses various techniques to improve the quality of the 1-year and 3-year data products it releases based on a series of data release rules. The release rules use the size of an estimateâs coefficient of variation (CV) as a quality/reliability indicator. Products with too many estimates having large CVs fail the release criteria and are not published. This research is in response to feedback from ACS users that the current release rules are too conservative, especially those applied to certain types of estimates. We look into alternatives to the current release rules as they are applied to ACS 1-year and 3-year medians and zero estimates.
Others in Series
Working Paper
Use of Administrative Records to Replace or Enhance Questions about Housing Characteristics on the American Community Survey
Learn more about the potential for using administrative records to capture housing and property tax information on the ACS.
Working Paper
Replicate Weight-Based Methods: Imputation Variance in Mass Imputation
Details the methodology developed for the 2011 ACS data products to account for imputation methodology within the current variance estimation framework.
Working Paper
2014 American Community Survey (ACS) Internet Test
Learn about the 2014 Internet Test, which evaluated potential screen changes and ways to encourage respondents to return to the survey.
Page Last Revised - October 8, 2021