December 8, 2022

We are pleased to announce the release of the 2017-2021 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates, the most relied-on source for up-to-date social, economic, housing, and demographic information every year. The ACS is the only source of local statistics for most of the 40+ topics it covers, such as educational attainment, occupation, language spoken at home, nativity, ancestry, and selected monthly homeowner costs.

ACS 5-year estimates are available for all geographic areas regardless of population size, down to the block-group level. Today's 2017-2021 ACS 5-year release will also include all data products, including Data Profiles, Comparison Profiles, Detailed Tables, Subject Tables and the Summary File. For more information, visit the 2021 Data Release Schedule page. 

Visit the Census Bureau's data.census.gov or use the Census API to start exploring these estimates. Data.census.gov is our primary data dissemination platform to access data from the Census Bureau. Learn more about data.census.gov resources.

Data Release Resources include links to the following:

• Guidance for Data Users: Learn more about the types of data tables and tools available, and get guidance about when to use 1-year and 5-year estimates.
• 2017-2021 ACS 5-year Narrative Profiles: 2017-2021 ACS 5-year Narrative Profiles are available for the nation, state, county, place, metropolitan/micropolitan statistical area, ZIP Code Tabulation Area, American Indian Area/Alaska Native Area/Hawaiian Home Land and census tract. Narrative Profiles summarize many topics using nontechnical text and graphs.
• Updated 5-year to 5-year Comparison Guidance: Visit our Comparing 2012-2016 ACS 5-year and 2017-2021 ACS 5-year page for guidance on comparing these datasets by subject area.
• Summary File: Download the ACS Detailed Tables in the new table-based format for the ACS Summary File, which replaced the previous sequence-based format. Each ACS Detailed Table will be available as a separate file containing the estimate and margin of error for all published geographies. To aid in this transition, the prior sequence-based format will also be available for the 2017-2021 ACS 5-year releases but will be discontinued thereafter. For more information, visit the ACS Summary File page.
• 5-year Webinar: The slides, transcript, and recording from the 2017-2021 ACS 5-year Pre-Release webinar are available.  This webinar covers background information about the ACS, changes for this release, and where to find new data release information on the ACS website.
• 5-Year Press Kit: View the 2017-2021 ACS 5-year Press Kit to access background materials to write stories about this release.  The press kit includes a wide range of resources, including the press release. 

December 1, 2022

We are pleased to announce the first release of documentation in support of the 2017-2021 ACS 5-year estimates scheduled for release on Thursday, December 8, 2022. This documentation offers ACS data users the opportunity to prepare for next week's data release.

New and updated information related to this release is available now on the 2021 Data Release page.

Highlights include links to the following:

• The Table & Geography Changes page provides details about new and modified tables.
• The 2017-2021 ACS 5-year Summary File will be released as a table-based format, replacing the prior sequence-based format. Each ACS Detailed Table will be available as a separate file containing the estimate and margin of error for all published geographies. To aid in this transition, the prior sequence-based format will also be available for the 2017-2021 ACS 5-year releases but will be discontinued thereafter. For more information, visit the ACS Summary File page.

The 2017-2021 ACS 5-year estimates will be released in the U.S. Census Bureau's data dissemination platform, data.census.gov. The platform serves as the primary way for accessing data and digital content from the Census Bureau.

October 20, 2022

2021 ACS 1-Year Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) Files 

We are pleased to announce the release of the 2021 American Community Survey (ACS) 1-year Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) files. The PUMS files show the full range of population and housing unit responses collected on individual ACS questionnaires for a subsample of ACS housing units and group quarters persons (approximately one percent of the United States population), with disclosure protection enabled so that individuals or housing units cannot be identified. 

The PUMS files allow data users to conduct a custom analysis. Working with PUMS data generally involves downloading large datasets onto a local computer and analyzing the data using statistical software such as R, SPSS, Stata, or SAS. 

PUMS data are currently accessible via the ACS website, and the FTP site, and the microdata analysis tool on data.census.gov. Data.census.gov is particularly useful for researchers who need quick statistics with PUMS.  

For more information about the PUMS files, visit the links below:

• Creating Custom Tables Using the American Community Survey Public Use Microdata Sample:  Review this previously recorded webinar to learn more about creating custom tables using the PUMS files
• PUMS Documentation: Need to find out more about using the PUMS? Our technical documentation includes a User Guide, Data Dictionary, Code and Subject Lists, and other documents to assist users in accessing and using PUMS data
  
• PUMS Handbook: This guide provides an overview of the ACS PUMS files and how they can be used to access data about America’s communities.

2021 ACS 1-Year Supplemental Estimates 

We are also pleased to announce the release of the 2021 ACS 1-year Supplemental Estimates.

Supplemental Estimates are simplified versions of popular ACS tables for geographic areas with at least 20,000 people, compared to the 65,000 population minimum for the standard ACS 1-year estimates. 

Visit the Census Bureau's data.census.gov or use the Census API to start exploring these estimates.

For more information on ACS Supplemental Estimates, visit the links below:  

• When to use 1-year, 1-year Supplemental, and 5-year estimates: Need help determining which dataset to use? Our "When to use" table provides information on currency, sample size, reliability, and precision for all ACS datasets.
• Geographic areas with published data: Review the chart outlining the number of areas receiving data by geographic level for the 1-year Supplemental Estimates.
• 1-year Supplemental Estimates table shells: View the layout of tables without the estimates or margins of error filled in. Table shells also contain the line number, description of the data, and table ID. 

September 15, 2022

We are pleased to announce the release of the 2021 American Community Survey (ACS) 1-year estimates, the most relied-on source for up-to-date social, economic, and housing information every year. The ACS is the only source of local statistics for most of the 40+ topics it covers, such as educational attainment, occupation, language spoken at home, ancestry, and selected monthly homeowner costs.

ACS 1-year estimates are available for the nation, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, every congressional district, every metropolitan area, and all counties and places with populations of 65,000 or more. To find out if these estimates are available for your county or city, please consult our Reference Materials.

Today's release includes Data Profiles, Detailed Tables, Comparison Profiles, Subject Tables, Selected Population Profiles, and the Summary File. Learn more in the 2021 Data Release Schedule.

Visit the U.S. Census Bureau's data.census.gov or use the Census API to start exploring these estimates. Please note that data.census.gov and the current release work best in Google Chrome. To learn more, see our data.census.gov resources page which provides Frequently Asked Questions, How-to Materials for Using data.census.gov, Video Tutorials, Webinars and more. For additional information, visit the links below:

• Pre-Release Webinar: View a recorded webinar highlighting important changes for the 2021 ACS 1-year release and a demonstration on how to access the data in data.census.gov.
• 2021 Changes: Visit our 2021 Data Release page to learn about table and geography changes, and the 2021 Comparison Guidance page to learn how these estimates compare to previous ACS estimates, the 2010 Census and the 2020 Census.
• 2021 Summary File: Download all of the ACS Detailed Tables via the Summary File on the FTP. Instructions and other technical information are also available on the Summary File page.
• Guidance for Data Users: Learn more about the types of data tables and data tools available and get guidance about when to use 1-year and 5-year estimates.

September 8, 2022

We are pleased to announce the first release of documentation in support of the 2021 American Community Survey 1-year estimates scheduled for release on Thursday, September 15, 2022. This documentation offers ACS data users the opportunity to prepare for next week's data release.

New and updated information related to this release is available now on the 2021 Data Release page.

Highlights include links to the following:

• The Table & Geography Changes page explains new and modified tables, as well as information on changes to geography.
• The Code Lists, Definitions, and Accuracy page includes code lists, subject definitions, group quarters definitions, and the statistical testing tool. 
• The Table Shells display the layout of the tables without the estimates or margins of error filled in. The Table List includes information, such as table IDs, titles, universes, as well as 1-year/5-year availability, in one spreadsheet.
• The Geography Boundaries by Year page shows on which vintage of geography the 2021 ACS 1-year estimates are based.
• The Areas Published page lists the total number of geographic areas that receive 2021 ACS 1-year estimates. The Reference Materials page also details the specific geographies that have published data.
• ​The 2021 ACS 1-year Summary File will be released as a table-based format, replacing the prior sequence-based Summary File format. Each ACS Detailed Table will be available as a separate file containing the estimate and margin of error for all published geographies. To aid in this transition, the prior sequence-based format will be also available for the 2021 ACS 1-year and 2017-2021 ACS 5-year releases but discontinued thereafter. For more information, visit the ACS Summary File page.
• The Census Bureau will hold a webinar on September 8 explaining how to access data and online resources from the 2021 ACS, which will be publicly released on September 15. The webinar will also provide tips for comparing ACS geographies and statistics over time. Embargo subscribers will have access to these statistics from Tuesday, September 13, at 10 a.m. EDT, to September 15, at 12:01 a.m. EDT. Learn more in the Press Kit.
  

The 2021 ACS estimates will be released in the Census Bureau's data dissemination platform, data.census.gov, on Thursday, September 15. The platform serves as the primary way for accessing data and digital content from the Census Bureau.  

March 31, 2022

2016-2020 ACS 5-Year Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS)

We are pleased to announce the release of the 2016-2020 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) files.

The ACS 5-year PUMS files show the full range of population and housing unit responses collected on individual ACS questionnaires for a subsample of ACS housing units and group quarters persons (approximately five percent of the United States population).

PUMS files allow data users to conduct a custom analysis, though the files also tend to be more complicated to use. Working with PUMS data generally involves downloading large datasets onto a local computer and analyzing them using statistical software such as R, SPSS, Stata, or SAS.

PUMS data can be accessed via data.census.gov and the Census Bureau's FTP site. 

Visit our Microdata section on the ACS website to find all resources related to PUMS files.  This section contains access to PUMS data, the PUMS Handbook, How-to instructions, FAQs, and PUMS documentation.

The PUMS Documentation page is updated with the 2020 release to include the PUMS ReadMe, Accuracy of the PUMS, PUMS Estimates for User Verification, Subjects in the PUMS, and Data Dictionary. Code Lists have also been posted to help users with the release of the 2016-2020 ACS 5-year PUMS files.

2016-2020 ACS 5-Year Variance Replicate Estimate Tables

We are pleased to announce the release of the 2016-2020 ACS 5-year Variance Replicate Estimate Tables.

These tables allow advanced users to calculate margins of error (MOEs) when collapsing data within a table or across geographies. This method provides a more accurate MOE than available approximation formulas.  

To access these estimates, visit the Variance Replicate Estimate Tables page or through the Census Bureau's FTP site. This page also includes technical documentation, a table and geography list, and table shells.

March 17, 2022

Today the U.S. Census Bureau released new statistics from the 2016–2020 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. Following pandemic-related data collection disruptions, the Census Bureau revised its methodology to reduce nonresponse bias in data collected in 2020. After evaluating the effectiveness of this methodology, the Census Bureau determined the standard, full suite of 2016–2020 ACS 5-year data are fit for public release, government and business uses. These statistics boost the understanding of the social and economic characteristics of the U.S. population.

“While the COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges for the 2020 ACS data collection, we have worked tirelessly over the last few months to refine our methodology and reduce the impact of nonresponse bias in the 2016–2020 ACS 5-year data products,” said Donna Daily, division chief of the ACS Office.

March 10, 2022

The American Community Survey (ACS) helps local officials, community leaders, and businesses understand the social, housing, economic and demographic changes taking place in their communities. Every decision-maker needs information to help them make informed decisions about their communities and businesses. The ACS is the premier source for detailed information about our nation and the data are used to support these data driven decisions.

On March 17, we will release the latest round of ACS estimates — the 2016-2020 5-year estimates, which were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We know many people will be curious what the ACS estimates can tell us about impacts from the pandemic.

However, it’s first important to recognize that ACS estimates are period estimates and to understand what that means for interpreting them. The ACS has an annual sample size of about 3.5 million addresses with survey information collected nearly every day of the year. Data are combined across time periods to produce estimates. Our new blog explains period estimates and how to interpret them.

Feb. 7, 2022

On March 17, the U.S. Census Bureau will release the standard, full suite of 2016–2020 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year data products—down to the block group level. Following pandemic-related data collection disruptions, the Census Bureau revised its methodology to reduce nonresponse bias in data collected in 2020. After evaluating the effectiveness of this methodology, the Census Bureau determined the resulting data are fit for public release, government and business uses, and understanding the social and economic characteristics of the U.S. population and economy. We will provide additional information and guidance on release day on the ACS New and Notable webpage and in the press kit.