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Understanding and Using American Community Survey Data: What Congress Needs to Know
Congress needs accurate, up-to-date information to make good decisions—from allocating federal program funds to developing program eligibility requirements, monitoring compliance with federal laws, and evaluating community needs. Congressional staff also need timely data to support communication efforts, respond to constituent inquiries, draft legislation, analyze legislative proposals, and conduct legislative research.
The U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) provides members of Congress the data they need for decision-making. This guide provides a brief overview of how members of Congress use ACS data for important legislative purposes.
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Publication
Geography and the American Community Survey
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 ACS Public Use Microdata Sample File Users Need to Know
This guide helps data users learn how to access PUMS files, create PUMS tables, and measure accuracy and margins of error.
Publication
What Users of Data for Amer. Indians and Alaska Natives Need to Know
This handbook helps users of data for AIAN learn how to access and use ACS data and provide concrete examples of how ACS data can answer real-world questions.
Page Last Revised - May 1, 2025
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