American Community Survey (ACS)

Please Note:  Information from the American Community Survey cannot be compared to decennial census tabulations to establish trends or assess change since the last census.  This survey differs from the decennial census tabulations in definitions, coverage, and accuracy.  Please read the information provided below.

The American Community Survey (ACS) is the U.S. Census Bureau’s new product that has been in development since the mid-1990s. It is a continuous national survey. In phases, over the decade, the ACS will provide census long form type social, economic, and housing characteristics for demographic groups. Tabulations for populations of 65,000 or more have already been released. Information for the smallest areas and governmental jurisdictions in the nation, those less than 20,000, are scheduled for release around 2010. The Bureau considers the ACS a replacement for the decennial census long form data.

  1. Information about the ACS PDF
  2. New York State Data Center - Comparing the 2000 Census and the 2005 ACS
  3. Missouri Census Data Center - Ten Things to Know about the ACS (2005 Edition)

Last modified: May 30, 2007
E-mail: OFM.Forecasting@ofm.wa.gov