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Understanding and Using the American Community Survey Public Use Microdata Sample Files: What Data Users Need to Know

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Understanding and Using the American Community Survey Public Use Microdata Sample Files: What Data Users Need to Know

The U.S. Census Bureau produces a large number of data profiles, tables, maps, and other products based on American Community Survey (ACS) data. Even this abundance of pretabulated estimates and data products cannot meet the needs of every data user. The Census Bureau’s ACS Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) files enable data users to create custom estimates and tables, free of charge, that are not available through pretabulated ACS data products.

This guide provides an overview of the ACS PUMS files and how they can be used to access data about America’s communities.

ACS PUMS Handbook

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Others in Series

Publication
What State and Local Government Users Need to Know
August 2020
This handbook helps data users from state and local governments learn about ACS data and provides examples of how ACS data can answer real-world questions.
Publication
Geography and the American Community Survey
February 2020
This guide provides an overview of geographic areas for which ACS data are available, special considerations in working with spatial data, and more.
Publication
What Congress Needs to Know
June 2020
This handbook helps congressional staff use ACS data to respond to constituent inquiries, draft floor/press statements, conduct legislative research, and more.
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Page Last Revised - October 7, 2024
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