Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock (
) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Topics
Data & Maps
Surveys & Programs
Resource Library
Understanding and Using American Community Survey Data: What Researchers Need to Know
Understanding and Using American Community Survey Data: What Researchers Need to Know
The American Community Survey (ACS) is the nation’s premier source of detailed social, economic, housing, and demographic characteristics for local communities.
This handbook describes how researchers can use ACS data to make comparisons, create custom tables, and combine ACS data with other data sources. It is aimed at researchers who are familiar with using data—summary tabulations and microdata records—from complex sample surveys.
Others in Series
Publication
What State and Local Government Users Need to Know
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
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.
X
Is this page helpful?
Yes
No
Yes
No
X
No, thanks
255 characters remaining
X
Thank you for your feedback.
Comments or suggestions?
Comments or suggestions?