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Understanding and Using American Community Survey Data: What State and Local Government Users Need to Know
Understanding and Using American Community Survey Data: What State and Local Government Users Need to Know
A primary mission of state and local governments is to deliver efficient and effective services and enact policies that advance public safety and economic growth. For more than a decade, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) has provided data to help governments meet the needs of their constituents. The ACS provides a dynamic picture of the population and housing attributes of states, counties, and municipalities, large and small.
This guide provides a brief overview of how state and local governments are using ACS data to develop general plans, to help implement and evaluate local initiatives, to attract and retain businesses, and for other applications. It also describes some important considerations when working with ACS data—especially estimates for small geographic areas.
Others in Series
Publication
What Researchers Need to Know
This handbook helps researchers learn more about estimates for geographic areas, how to access data products, sampling error, and more.
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.
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