December 12, 2024

We are pleased to announce the release of the 2019-2023 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, veteran status, and selected monthly homeowner costs.

ACS 5-year estimates are available for most geographic areas regardless of population size, down to the block-group level. Today's 2019-2023 ACS 5-year release will also include all data products, including Comparison Profiles, Data Profiles, Detailed Tables, Narrative Profiles, Subject Tables and the Summary File. For more information, visit the 2023 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, and the platform works best in Google Chrome. 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.
• 2019-2023 ACS 5-year Narrative Profiles: 2019-2023 ACS 5-year Narrative Profiles are available for the nation, state, counties, places, metropolitan/micropolitan statistical area, ZIP Code Tabulation Areas, American Indian Area/Alaska Native Area/Hawaiian Home Lands and census tracts. Narrative Profiles summarize many topics using nontechnical text and graphs.
• Updated 5-year to 5-year Comparison Guidance: Visit our Comparing 2023 American Community Survey Data page to access guidance on comparing the 2019-2023 ACS 5-year and 2014-2018 ACS 5-year datasets by subject area.
• Summary File: Download all of the ACS Detailed Tables via the Summary File on the FTP. Instructions and other technical information are available on the Summary File page.
• 5-year Webinar: The slides, transcript, and recording from the 2019-2023 ACS 5-year Pre-Release webinar will be available soon. 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 2019-2023 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 5, 2024

2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Pre-Release Webinar

The U.S. Census Bureau will host a pre-release webinar in advance of the latest 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates data release. The webinar will provide information on updates and how to find and access online resources related to this release.

Date & Time: Thursday, December 5 from 1:00-2:00 PM EST

Presenters: Charles Gamble III, American Community Survey Office

Jewel Jordan, Public Information Office

Documentation Supporting the 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates Now Available

We are pleased to announce the release of documentation in support of the 2019-2023 ACS 5-year estimates scheduled for release on Thursday, December 12, 2024. 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 2023 Data Release page.

Highlights include links to the following:

• The Table & Geography Changes page provides details about new, modified, and removed tables.
• The new ACS Data Release Rules brief describes the ACS data products released each year and the rules that are applied to determine whether ACS-tabulated data products and estimates will be published.
• Check out the Press Kit to learn more about the 2019-2023 ACS 5-year release.

The 2019-2023 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.

The 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Data Release

The 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) data releases are currently underway. The next data products to be released are the 2019-2023 ACS 5-year estimates, scheduled for release on December 12. The available data products include Data Profiles, Detailed Tables, Comparison Profiles, Subject Tables, Narrative Profiles, and Summary File. Media embargoes will be available 48 hours before the public release. Check out the full 2023 ACS data release schedule for more information. The Census Bureau will hold a pre-release webinar on December 5 and media embargoes will be available 48 hours before the public release.

New Puerto Rico Community Survey Overview Flyer

Learn the basics about the Puerto Rico Community Survey (PRCS), including topics covered, data products, data collection, and more in the recently published PRCS Overview Flyer. The PRCS is part of the ACS that is customized for Puerto Rico.

ACS Information Guide Spanish Version Now Available

The ACS Information Guide has been translated, providing a comprehensive guide to the ACS in both English and Spanish. To navigate to the Spanish translation, choose "Español / Spanish" from the Language Selector located at the top of the page, above the page title. Follow these steps to go back to the English version.

A New ACS Share Your Story Has Been Published

• First Five Years Fund Uses ACS Data to Build Support

American Community Survey and Puerto Rico Community Survey

The Census Bureau is inviting public feedback through a Federal Register Notice (FRN) requesting authority to conduct the ACS and PRCS for another three years. The FRN does not include any proposed changes to the surveys. The public may submit comments through January 6, 2025.

ACS Methods Panel Tests

The Census Bureau is inviting public feedback through a Federal Register Notice (FRN) on ACS Methods Panel tests. From 2025 to 2028, the ACS Methods Panel may test ACS and decennial census methods for reducing survey cost, addressing respondent burden, and improving survey response, data quality, and survey efficiencies for housing units and group quarters. The ACS Methods Panel may also address other emerging needs of the program. The public may submit comments through December 23, 2024.

The 2023 American Community Survey Data Release

The 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) data releases are currently underway. The 2023 ACS 1-year Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) estimates and Supplemental Estimates were released on October 17. The next data products to be released are the 2019-2023 ACS 5-year estimates, scheduled for release on December 12. Check out the full 2023 ACS data release schedule for more information.

New ACS Release Rules Brief

The new ACS Release Rules brief was recently published. It describes the ACS data products released each year and the rules that are applied to determine whether ACS-tabulated data products and estimates will be published. The brief also provides guidance and strategies to data users about how to proceed in exploring other options when the ACS data they seek are not available.

New ACS Information Guide

The American Community Survey Information Guide page was redesigned from a print-based product to a web-based product to provide a detailed overview of many aspects of the ACS, including a brief history of the survey, data collection methods, data products, data user resources, and more.

ACS State-to-State Migration Flows Table Package Release

The U.S. Census Bureau released the latest version of the State-to-State Migration Flows table package on October 17. Tables come from the 2023 American Community Survey, 1-year estimates. The State-to-State Migration Flows tables provide estimates of the number of people moving between origin and destination geographies. The State of Residence by Place of Birth tables provide estimates of the number of people living in their current state of residence by place of birth.

Implementing Updated Race and Ethnicity Standards in the ACS

On March 28, 2024, the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) published the results of its review of Statistical Policy Directive No. 15 (SPD 15) and issued updated standards for maintaining, collecting and presenting race and ethnicity data across federal agencies. The ACS Program recently announced that it will be implementing the finalized 2024 SPD 15 published by OMB on March 28, 2024, in the 2027 ACS data collection cycle. For more information, please refer to the blog Implementation of SPD 15 in the American Community Survey.

Disability Community Stakeholders Meeting

The Census Bureau met with disability community stakeholders September 30 in the D.C. metro area to better understand challenges in data availability and access for their community. The Census Bureau hosted the meeting with the Office of Management and Budget, the National Center for Health Statistics, the National Council on Disability, the Leadership Conference Education Fund, and the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities. The meeting brought together federal agency staff, disability stakeholders and community representatives, data users, and disability advocates. The Director of the Census Bureau recently released a blog containing insights from the meeting and next steps.

ACS Methods Panel Test

The Census Bureau is inviting public feedback through a Federal Register Notice (FRN) on ACS Methods Panel tests. From 2025 to 2028, the ACS Methods Panel may test ACS and decennial census methods for reducing survey cost, addressing respondent burden, and improving survey response, data quality, and survey efficiencies for housing units and group quarters. The ACS Methods Panel may also address other emerging needs of the program. The public may submit comments through December 23, 2024.

October 17, 2024

2023 ACS 1-Year Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) Files 

We are pleased to announce the release of the 2023 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, 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:

• 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.

2023 ACS 1-Year Supplemental Estimates 

We are also pleased to announce the release of the 2023 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. 

The 2023 American Community Survey 1-Year Public Use Microdata Sample Estimates and Supplemental Estimates Scheduled for Release on October 17

The 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 1-year Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) estimates and Supplemental Estimates are scheduled to be released on October 17, with additional ACS data products scheduled for release through January 2025. The U.S. Census Bureau published the planned 2023 ACS data release schedule and the New and Notable page, which will be updated with information on the 2023 ACS data releases as they become available.

Disability Community Stakeholders Meeting

The U.S. Census Bureau met with disability community stakeholders September 30 in the D.C. metro area to better understand challenges in data availability and access for their community. The Census Bureau hosted the meeting with the Office of Management and Budget, the National Center for Health Statistics, the National Council on Disability, the Leadership Conference Education Fund, and the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities. The meeting brought together federal agency staff, disability stakeholders and community representatives, data users, and disability advocates. The presentations and recording of the meeting may be accessed here.

ACS 5-Year State-to-County Migration Flows

The Census Bureau released new 2018-2022 ACS 5-year migration flows on September 26. Migration refers to the movement of people from one location to another. The state-to-county migration flows highlight the number of people moving into specific counties from U.S. states and state equivalents, U.S. Island Areas, and foreign regions.

Demonstration Data: Tables Using American Community Survey Race and Ancestry Data

The Census Bureau released Ancestry and Race Demonstration Data Tables on September 26. These tables use the 2022 ACS 1-year data and show characteristics of more than 100 population groups using the ACS race question and the ACS ancestry question. These tables show how data collected from the Census Bureau’s race and ancestry questions would differ if the ethnic populations were identified using race rather than ancestry data.

New Local Estimates of Internet Adoption Data Release

The Census Bureau and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) recently released the 2022 Local Estimates of Internet Adoption (LEIA), an experimental data product that measures Internet adoption at the county level. We employ American Community Survey 1-year microdata, auxiliary data from the Federal Communications Commission, and small area estimation modeling techniques. This produces reliable estimates of internet adoption for all counties in the U.S..

Unlocking the Potential of the ACS Summary File and Public Use Microdata Sample Files—Module 5 Course Now Available

The fifth module in the Discovering the American Community Survey course has been published. Learn more about the ACS Summary File and Public Use Microdata Sample Files, how to get started using each one, and more in module 5 of the course.

September 12, 2024

We are pleased to announce the release of the 2023 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, states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, congressional districts, metropolitan areas, and counties and places with a population of 65,000 or more. To find out if these estimates are available for your geographic area, please consult our Reference Materials.

Today's release includes Data Profiles, Detailed Tables, Comparison Profiles, Subject Tables, Selected Population Profiles, Ranking Tables, Geographic Comparison Tables, and the Summary File. Learn more in the 2023 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, check out the 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 the recorded webinar highlighting important changes for the 2023 ACS 1-year release and a demonstration on how to access the data in data.census.gov.
• 2023 Changes: Visit our 2023 Data Release page to learn about table and geography changes, and the 2023 Comparison Guidance page to learn how these estimates compare to previous ACS estimates, the 2010 Census and the 2020 Census.
• 2023 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 5, 2024

We are pleased to announce the first release of documentation in support of the 2023 American Community Survey 1-year estimates scheduled for release on Thursday, September 12, 2024. This documentation offers ACS data users the opportunity to prepare for next week's data release.

More information related to the 2023 ACS data release is available on the 2023 Data Release page.

Highlights include links to the following:

• The Table & Geography Changes page explains new, modified, and removed tables, as well as information on changes to geography.
• Supporting documentation for the 2023 ACS 1-year Summary File has been released. The 1-year Summary File on the FTP site will be available on release day. 
• 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 2023 ACS 1-year estimates are based.
• The Areas Published page lists the total number of geographic areas that receive 2023 ACS 1-year estimates. The Reference Materials page also details the specific geographies that have published data.
• The Code Lists, Definitions, and Accuracy page includes code lists, subject definitions, group quarters definitions, and the statistical testing tool.
• Join the Census Bureau for the 2023 ACS 1-year pre-release webinar on September 5. The webinar will show participants how to access new data and online resources from the 2023 release. Attendees will also learn about changes related to this release, and tips for comparing geographies and statistics over time. Embargo subscribers will have access to these statistics from Tuesday, September 10, at 10 a.m. EDT, to September 12, at 12:01 a.m. EDT. 
• Check out the Press Kit to learn more about the 2023 ACS 1-year release.

The 2023 ACS 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.  

The 2023 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates Scheduled for Release on September 12

The 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 1-year estimates are scheduled to be released on September 12, with additional ACS data products scheduled for release through January 2025. The Census Bureau published the planned 2023 ACS data release schedule and the New and Notable page, which we will update with information on the 2023 ACS data releases as they become available. You can also learn more at the 2023 ACS 1-year data pre-release webinar.

Disability Community Stakeholders Meeting

The U.S. Census Bureau announced plans to meet with disability community stakeholders September 30 in the D.C. metro area to better understand challenges in data availability and access for their community. The Census Bureau is hosting the meeting partnering with the Office of Management and Budget, the National Center for Health Statistics, the National Council on Disability, the Leadership Conference Education Fund, and the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities to host the meeting. The meeting will bring together federal agency staff, disability stakeholders and community representatives, data users, and disability advocates. The proceedings will help inform the collection of disability information for future ACS iterations as well as for the broader federal community.

Demonstration Data: Tables Using American Community Survey Race and Ancestry Data

The Census Bureau will release tables using the 2022 ACS 1-year data that show characteristics of 100+ population groups produced using the ACS race question and the ACS ancestry question. These tables will show how data collected from the Census Bureau’s race and ancestry questions would differ if the ethnic populations were identified using race rather than ancestry data. (Tentatively scheduled for release in September.)

Disability Community Stakeholders Meeting

The U.S. Census Bureau announced plans to meet with disability community stakeholders September 30 in the D.C. metro area to better understand challenges in data availability and access for their community. The Census Bureau is hosting the meeting partnering with the Office of Management and Budget, the National Center for Health Statistics, the National Council on Disability, the Leadership Conference Education Fund, and the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities to host the meeting. The meeting will bring together federal agency staff, disability stakeholders and community representatives, data users, and disability advocates. The proceedings will help inform the collection of disability information for future ACS iterations as well as for the broader federal community.

Mark Your Calendars for the 2023 American Community Survey Data Release and Pre-Release Webinar

The 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) data products are set to be released in phases between September 2024 and January 2025. Check out the full data release schedule for more information. You can also register for the 2023 ACS 1-year pre-release webinar, which will demonstrate how to access the data, as well as other new information pertaining to the data release.

2023 ACS Release Schedule

• 2023 ACS 1-year Estimates: September 12, 2024
• 2023 ACS 1-year PUMS and Supplemental Estimates: October 17, 2024
• 2019-2023 ACS 5-year Estimates: December 12, 2024
• 2019-2023 ACS 5-year PUMS and Variance Replicate Estimates: January 23, 2025

2023 ACS 1-year Estimates Pre-Release Webinar

Date & Time: Thursday, September 5 from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. ET

Speaker: Caleb Hopler (American Community Survey Office)

American Community Survey Timeline for Implementing Updated 2024 Race and Ethnicity Data Standards

The Census Bureau is inviting public feedback through a Federal Register Notice (FRN) on the timeline to implement the Office of Management and Budget's updated race and ethnicity standards, outlined in Statistical Policy Directive No. 15 (SPD 15), into the American Community Survey. The information gathered through this FRN will be taken into consideration as the Census Bureau continues to develop plans to implement the updated standards. The public may submit comments through August 12, 2024.

Agricultural Sales and Farm Indicator Data

The Census Bureau is inviting public feedback through a Federal Register Notice (FRN) on the agricultural sales question. The agricultural sales question is used to identify sampled addresses as farms or non-farms. The Census Bureau is researching the possibility of removing the agricultural sales question, and instead using administrative records and third-party data to produce statistics. If implemented, the American Community Survey would no longer ask the public the agricultural sales question. The public may submit comments about the research proposal and use of the statistics through August 19, 2024.

American Community Survey Timeline for Implementing Updated 2024 Race and Ethnicity Data Standards

The Census Bureau is inviting public feedback through a Federal Register Notice (FRN) on the timeline to implement the Office of Management and Budget's updated race and ethnicity standards, outlined in Statistical Policy Directive No. 15 (SPD 15), into the American Community Survey. The information gathered through this FRN will be taken into consideration as the Census Bureau continues to develop plans to implement the updated standards. The public may submit comments through August 12, 2024. 

Agricultural Sales and Farm Indicator Data

The Census Bureau is inviting public feedback through a Federal Register Notice (FRN) on the agricultural sales question. The agricultural sales question is used to identify sampled addresses as farms or non-farms. The Census Bureau is researching the possibility of removing the agricultural sales question, and instead using administrative records and third-party data to produce statistics. If implemented, the American Community Survey would no longer ask the public the agricultural sales question. The public may submit comments about the research proposal and use of the statistics through August 19, 2024.

January 25, 2024

2018-2022 ACS 5-Year Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS)

We are pleased to announce the release of the 2018-2022 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) with disclosure protection enabled so that individuals or housing units cannot be identified.

PUMS files allow data users to create custom estimates and tables that are not available through ACS pretabulated data products. 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 2022 release to include the PUMS User Guide, 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 2018-2022 ACS 5-year PUMS files.

2018-2022 ACS 5-Year Variance Replicate Estimate Tables

We are pleased to announce the release of the 2018-2022 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.

Release of Additional American Community Survey Selected Population Tables and American Indian and Alaska Native Tables 

Multiple geography by iteration group tables were omitted from the 2017-2021 ACS 5-Year Selected Population Tables (SPT) and American Indian and Alaska Native Tables (AIANT) release on June 15, 2023 due to a processing error. Additional 2017-2021 ACS 5-year SPT and AIANT are now available to include the full set of publishable geography by iteration group combinations.

Visit the Race, Ethnicity, Ancestry and American Indian & Alaska Native Tables page for more information about geographic area/population group combinations that will be receiving additional tabulations. The SPT and AIANT data products contain the greatest level of statistical detail for detailed race, Hispanic origin, tribal, and ancestry group populations.