The Effects of Adding an Internet Response Option to the American Community Survey

Written by:

The American Community Survey (ACS) is a large household survey that continuously collects data on social, demographic, economic, and housing characteristics. Traditionally, the ACS collected data using three sequential modes - a paper questionnaire, a telephone follow-up and a personal visit follow-up. In 2013, the Census Bureau added a fourth mode, an Internet response mode, offered first with nonrespondents eligible for the other three modes. This paper describes the full implementation strategy used in the 2013 ACS. It summarizes survey response by mode and geography. The paper also compares the levels of self-response in 2013 with those observed in 2012.

Page Last Revised - October 8, 2021