The American Community Survey (ACS) is the premier source of detailed information about the nation's people and housing. As an ongoing survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau since 2005, the ACS collects detailed social, economic, housing, and demographic information from a sample of households across the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

The ACS provides up-to-date information annually, which helps local officials, community leaders, and businesses make informed decisions.

Covering more than 40 topics—including education, employment, income, housing, and transportation—the ACS provides crucial insights into the changing needs and conditions of communities. Its data are used for countless reasons, such as to plan roads, schools, and emergency services, and to guide the distribution of government funding.