U.S. Department of Commerce

Economics and Statistics Administration

U.S. CENSUS BUREAU

Questions Planned for the 2010 Census and 

American Community Survey

U S C E N S U S B U R E A U

Helping You Make Informed Decisions

Issued

March 2008
ii

NOTES
2010 DECENNIAL CENSUS PROGRAM

iii

A. INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................vii

B. 2010 CENSUS

Age .............................................................................................................................. 2

Gender ........................................................................................................................ 3

Hispanic Origin ............................................................................................................ 4

Race ............................................................................................................................ 5

Relationship ................................................................................................................. 6

Tenure ......................................................................................................................... 7

Administrative Questions ........................................................................................... 7a

C. AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Basic Characteristics

Age ....................................................... 9

Gender ............................................... 10

Hispanic Origin ................................... 11

Race ................................................... 12

Relationship ........................................ 13

Social Characteristics

Marital Status ...................................... 14 

Fertility ............................................... 15

Grandparents as Caregivers ................ 16

Ancestry ............................................. 17

Place of Birth, Citizenship, and

Year of Entry ................................... 18

Language Spoken at Home ................. 20 

Educational Attainment and 

School Enrollment ........................... 21

Residence 1 Year Ago.......................... 23

Veteran Status and Period of 

Military Service ............................... 25

Disability ............................................ 26

Economic Characteristics

Income ............................................... 28

Food Stamps Benefi t ........................... 30

Labor Force Status .............................. 31

Industry, Occupation, and Class

of Worker ....................................... 33

Place of Work and Journey to Work ...... 35

Work Status Last Year .......................... 37

Vehicles Available ............................... 38

Physical Characteristics

Year Structure Built ............................. 39

Units in Structure ................................ 40 

Year Moved Into Unit ........................... 42 

Rooms ................................................ 43

Bedrooms ........................................... 44

Kitchen Facilities ................................. 45

Plumbing Facilities .............................. 46 

House Heating Fuel ............................. 47

Telephone Service Available ............... 48

Farm Residence .................................. 49

Financial Characteristics

Tenure ................................................ 50

Value .................................................. 51

Rent .................................................... 53

Selected Monthly Owner Costs ............ 54

Administrative Questions .................. 56a

D. NEW FOR THE AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY

Health Insurance Coverage ........................................................................................ 58

Marital History ........................................................................................................... 60

VA Service-Connected Disability Rating ...................................................................... 61

E. QUESTION IN THE 2000 CENSUS BUT NOT PLANNED FOR THE 

AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY

Years of Military Service ............................................................................................. 64 
iv

NOTES
A. INTRODUCTION

v
vi

NOTES
INTRODUCTION

vii

Section 141(f)(2) of the Census Act requires that not later than 2 years before the next 

census, the questions to be included on that census be submitted to Congress. The 

contents of this notebook describe the questions that will be asked on the 2010 Census 

and the American Community Survey, including proposed new questions, as well as 

the question that will be dropped because it is no longer required by federal agencies. 

In March 2007, the subjects to be included on the 2010 Census and the American 

Community Survey were submitted to Congress. 

In advance of providing the questions to be included on the next census to Congress, the 

U.S. Census Bureau asked federal agencies to provide information on their data needs, 

so that only necessary data are collected, as opposed to data that could be acquired by 

other means. The Offi ce of Management and Budget facilitates the process to validate 

current uses of census data, determine unnecessary subjects and questions, and identify 

new subjects for which questions are required. 

2010 DECENNIAL CENSUS PROGRAM PLANS

Census 2000 included a short form to collect basic information used for reapportionment 

and redistricting, and a long form sent to approximately 1 in 6 households that was 

designed to collect detailed information used to distribute fi scal resources under a wide 

array of federal, state, local, and tribal programs. The 2010 Census will be a “short form 

only” census.

The American Community Survey is sent to a small percentage of our population on 

a rotating basis. The survey collects essentially the same detailed information on 

population and housing characteristics, as did the “long form.” Since the American 

Community Survey is conducted every year, rather than once every 10 years, it provides 

more current data throughout the decade. In Puerto Rico, the survey is called the Puerto 

Rico Community Survey.

Decoupling the short form and long form allows the Census Bureau to focus eff orts 

on the constitutional requirements to produce a count of the resident population, 

employ technology to improve effi ciencies, provide more timely data, improve coverage 

accuracy, and contain costs while keeping operational risk to a minimum. Since 2005, 

the long form data have been collected annually on the American Community Survey. 

This innovation provides more current, detailed information than has ever been available 

before. Responses to the American Community Survey, like its predecessor, the decennial 

census long form, are mandatory. 

The 2010 Decennial Census Program is the only data-gathering eff ort that collects 

demographic data for every geographic area recognized by the Census Bureau. It builds 

on the successful data collection eff orts of past censuses. In addition, it moves the 

nation forward to a new era that will have the advantage of more current and timely 

census data to measure its performance, identify its needs, and chart its course.

SUBMISSION OF QUESTIONS FOR THE 2010 DECENNIAL 

CENSUS PROGRAM
viii

NOTES
B. 2010 CENSUS

1
2

AGE asked since 1800

Education

Counties and school districts are 

allotted funds based on age data. 

These funds provide resources and 

services to improve the education of 

economically disadvantaged children 

and children with disabilities.

Locations where new schools are 

needed, as well as the required grade 

levels (elementary, middle, or high 

school), are identifi ed using data about 

age.

Government

Data presenting the voting-age 

population are used by states to meet 

legislative redistricting requirements.

Planners at all levels of government 

forecast the need for highways, 

hospitals, health services, and 

retirement homes by using age data.

Employment

Data about age are used to target 

veterans for job training programs.

Equal employment opportunities are 

enforced using data about age.

Social Services

Age data are used to forecast the 

number of people eligible for Social 

Security and Medicare benefi ts. 

Under the Older Americans Act, age 

data are part of the formula used to 

allocate funds for services to seniors 

with low incomes.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

Age is central for any number of federal programs that target funds or services to 

children, working-age adults, women of childbearing age, or the older population. The 

Department of Education uses census age data in its formula for allotment to states. 

Under the Voting Rights Act, the data on population of voting age are required for 

legislative redistricting. The U.S. Department of Veterans Aff airs uses age to develop 

its mandated state projections on the need for hospitals, nursing homes, cemeteries, 

domiciliary services, and other benefi ts for veterans.

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

7. What is Person 1’s age and what is Person 1’s date of birth? 

Please report babies as age 0 when the child is less than 1 year old.

Print numbers in boxes.

Age on April 1, 2010 Month Day Year of birth
3

GENDER asked since 1790

Planning

State and local planners analyze social 

and economic characteristics of males 

and females to predict future needs for 

housing, education, childcare, health 

care, transportation, and employment.

Employment

Data about gender are used to evaluate 

employment practices under the Civil 

Rights Act.

The Equal Employment Opportunity 

Commission, using data about gender, 

establishes and evaluates guidelines 

dealing with equal employment 

opportunity.

Education

Data about gender are used to allocate 

funds to institutions of higher learning 

that increase participation, particularly 

of minority women, in scientifi c and 

engineering programs under the 

Higher Education Act.

Social Services

At the state and county levels, data 

about gender are used to allocate 

funds for food, health care services, 

and classes in meal planning to lowincome women with children.

Housing

Data about gender are used to evaluate 

housing policies and practices under 

the Civil Rights Act.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

Census data about gender are critical because so many federal programs must 

diff erentiate between males and females. The U.S. Departments of Education 

and Health and Human Services are required by statute to use these data to fund, 

implement, and evaluate various social and welfare programs, such as the Special 

Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) or the Low-Income 

Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Laws to promote equal employment 

opportunity for women also require census data on gender. The U.S. Department of 

Veterans Aff airs must use census data to develop its state projections of veterans’ 

facilities and benefi ts. 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

6. What is Person 1’s sex? Mark IJK ONE box. 

Male Female
4

HISPANIC ORIGIN asked since 1970

Social Services

Under the Public Health Service Act, 

Hispanic origin is one of the factors 

used in identifying segments of the 

population who may not be getting 

needed medical services.

Government

The Voting Rights Act ensures 

equality in voting. Compliance of 

local jurisdictions is monitored using 

counts of the voting-age population by 

national origin.

Employment

Data about Hispanic origin are 

used to monitor and enforce equal 

employment opportunities under the 

Civil Rights Act.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

Hispanic origin is used in numerous programs and is vital in making policy decisions. 

These data are needed to determine compliance with provisions of antidiscrimination 

in employment and minority recruitment legislation. Under the Voting Rights Act, data 

about Hispanic origin are essential to ensure enforcement of bilingual election rules. 

Hispanic origin classifi cations used by the Census Bureau and other federal agencies 

meet the requirements of standards issued by the Offi ce of Management and Budget 

in 1997 (Revisions to the Standards for the Classifi cation of Federal Data on Race and 

Ethnicity). These standards set forth guidance for statistical collection and reporting 

on race and ethnicity used by all federal agencies.

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

8. Is Person 1 of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin? 

No, not of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin

Yes, Mexican, Mexican Am., Chicano

Yes, Puerto Rican

Yes, Cuban 

Yes, another Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin — Print origin, for example,

Argentinean, Colombian, Dominican, Nicaraguan, Salvadoran, Spaniard, and so on. C 
5

RACE asked since 1790

Education

Under Title 20, race is used as part 

of the formula to fund programs that 

foster equal opportunity through 

postsecondary education for African 

Americans. This is achieved by funding 

programs at historically Black colleges 

and universities in professional and 

academic areas where African Americans 

are underrepresented in society.

Employment

Race, under the Civil Rights Act, is 

used to assess fairness of employment 

practices.

Social Services

For the Public Health Service Act, race 

is a key factor in identifying segments 

of the population who may not be 

receiving needed medical services. 

Government

States require data about the racial 

makeup of the voting-age population 

to meet legislative redistricting requirements.

Data about race are needed to monitor 

compliance with the Voting Rights Act 

by local jurisdictions.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

Race is key to implementing any number of federal laws and is a critical factor in the 

basic research behind numerous policies. Race data are required by federal programs 

promoting equal employment opportunity and are needed to assess racial disparities 

in health and access to care, among other uses. Racial classifi cations used by the 

Census Bureau and other federal agencies meet the requirements of standards issued 

by the Offi ce of Management and Budget in 1997 (Revisions to the Standards for 

the Classifi cation of Federal Data on Race and Ethnicity). These standards set forth 

guidance for statistical collection and reporting on race and ethnicity used by all 

federal agencies.

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

9. What is Person 1’s race? Mark IJK one or more boxes. 

White

Black, African Am., or Negro

American Indian or Alaska Native — Print name of enrolled or principal tribe. C 

Asian Indian

Chinese

Filipino

Other Asian — Print race, for 

example, Hmong, Laotian, Thai,

Pakistani, Cambodian, and so on. C 

Japanese

Korean

Vietnamese

Native Hawaiian

Guamanian or Chamorro

Samoan

Other Pacific Islander — Print

race, for example, Fijian, Tongan,

and so on. C 

Some other race — Print race. C 
6

RELATIONSHIP asked since 1880

Government

Federal agencies use data about 

relationship for a variety of 

programmatic purposes.

Housing

Data about families in poverty are used 

to distribute funds for housing to local 

governments.

Education

Data about relationship are used to 

allocate funds to states and counties 

to improve the education of children in 

low-income families.

Social Services

Local health agencies plan and 

administer programs promoting the 

well-being of families and children 

using information on relationship.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

The census subject about relationship is essential for classifying the population into 

families and other groups. Information about changes in the composition of the 

American family, from the number of people living alone to the number of children 

living with only one parent, is essential for planning and carrying out a number of 

federal programs. In federally funded nutrition and education programs, how the 

money is spent hinges, at least partially, on census data about relationship. 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

2. How is this person related to Person 1? Mark IK J ONE box.

Husband or wife

Biological son or daughter

Adopted son or daughter

Stepson or stepdaughter

Brother or sister

Father or mother

Grandchild

Parent-in-law

Son-in-law or daughter-in-law

Other relative

Roomer or boarder

Housemate or roommate

Unmarried partner

Other nonrelative
7

TENURE asked since 1890

Planning

Local planners use data on tenure to 

assess neighborhood stability. 

Banking

Data on tenure are used to distribute 

funds for mortgage insurance, for 

rental housing in urban renewal areas, 

and for national defense housing.

Housing

Tenure is one of the integral 

components used by the Department 

of Housing and Urban Development to 

establish Fair Market Rents for diff erent 

localities throughout the country. This 

information is used to allocate Section 

8 and other federal housing program 

subsidies that assist American families 

to aff ord decent, safe, and sanitary 

housing.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

Tenure (whether a home is owned or rented) is the most basic feature of the housing 

inventory. Homeownership rates have served as an indicator of the nation’s economy 

for decades. The data are an integral component of the formula used by the U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development to establish Fair Market Rents and 

also are essential for the Federal Housing Authority’s mortgage insurance program. 

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is required to profi le the housing 

tenure of Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) households. The 

Bureau of Economic Analysis uses this information along with other census data 

to prepare the value of housing services for the national and regional accounts. 

This information is used to assess the costs of utilities based on the type of home 

ownership. Tenure also is used in calculating homeownership vacancy rates and rental 

vacancy rates that federal and local agencies use to evaluate the overall viability of 

local housing markets.

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

3. Is this house, apartment, or mobile home —

Mark IJK ONE box. 

Owned by you or someone in this household with a

mortgage or loan? Include home equity loans.

Owned by you or someone in this household free and

clear (without a mortgage or loan)? 

Rented?

Occupied without payment of rent?
ADMINISTRATIVE QUESTIONS for use in the 2010 Census

While these questions are not required by federal law, the following are ways we use 

the information: ensuring response accuracy and completeness, contacting respondents 

with incomplete or missing information, and assigning cases to census operations 

designed to improve accuracy.

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

10. Does Person 1 sometimes live or stay somewhere else?

No Yes — Mark IJK all that apply. 

In college housing

In the military

At a seasonal 

or second residence

For child custody

In jail or prison

In a nursing home

For another reason

➜ If more people were counted in Question 1, continue with Person 2.

5. Please provide information for each person living here. Start with a

person living here who owns or rents this house, apartment, or mobile

home. If the owner or renter lives somewhere else, start with any adult

living here. This will be Person 1.

What is Person 1’s name? Print name below.

Last Name

First Name MI

p py

4. What is your telephone number? We may call if we 

don’t understand an answer.

Area Code + Number

– –

1. How many people were living or staying in this house,

apartment, or mobile home on April 1, 2010? 

Number of people =

2. Were there any additional people staying here April 1,

2010 that you did not include in Question 1?

Mark IJK all that apply. 

Children, such as newborn babies or foster children

Relatives, such as adult children, cousins, or in-laws

Nonrelatives, such as roommates or live-in baby sitters 

People staying here temporarily

No additional people

7a
C. AMERICAN 

COMMUNITY SURVEY

8
9

AGE asked since 1800

Education

Counties and school districts are 

allotted funds based on age data. 

These funds provide resources and 

services to improve the education of 

economically disadvantaged children 

and children with disabilities.

Locations where new schools are 

needed, as well as the required grade 

levels (elementary, middle, or high 

school) are identifi ed using data about 

age.

Government

Data presenting the voting-age 

population are used by states to meet 

legislative redistricting requirements.

Planners at all levels of government 

forecast the need for highways, 

hospitals, health services, and 

retirement homes by using age data.

Employment

Data about age are used to target 

veterans for job training programs.

Equal employment opportunities are 

enforced using data about age.

Social Services

Age data are used to forecast the 

number of people eligible for Social 

Security and Medicare benefi ts. 

Under the Older Americans Act, age 

data are part of the formula used to 

allocate funds for services to seniors 

with low incomes.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

Age is central for any number of federal programs that target funds or services to 

children, working-age adults, women of childbearing age, or the older population. 

The U.S. Department of Education uses census age data in its formula for allotment 

to states. Under the Voting Rights Act, the data on population of voting age are 

required for legislative redistricting. The U.S. Department of Veterans Aff airs uses age 

to develop its mandated state projections on the need for hospitals, nursing homes, 

cemeteries, domiciliary services, and other benefi ts for veterans.

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

4 What is Person 1’s age and what is Person 1’s date of birth?

Please report babies as age 0 when the child is less than 1 year old.

Age (in years) Month Day Year of birth

Print numbers in boxes.
10

GENDER asked since 1790

Planning

State and local planners analyze social 

and economic characteristics of males 

and females to predict future needs for 

housing, education, childcare, health 

care, transportation, and employment.

Employment

Data about gender are used to evaluate 

employment practices under the Civil 

Rights Act.

The Equal Employment Opportunity 

Commission, using data about gender, 

establishes and evaluates guidelines 

dealing with equal employment 

opportunity.

Education

Data about gender are used to allocate 

funds to institutions of higher learning 

that increase participation, particularly 

of minority women, in scientifi c and 

engineering programs under the 

Higher Education Act.

Social Services

At the state and county levels, data 

about gender are used to allocate 

funds for food, health care services, 

and classes in meal planning to lowincome women with children.

Housing

Data about gender are used to evaluate 

housing policies and practices under 

the Civil Rights Act.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

Census data about gender are critical because so many federal programs must 

diff erentiate between males and females. The U.S. Departments of Education 

and Health and Human Services are required by statute to use these data to fund, 

implement, and evaluate various social and welfare programs, such as the Special 

Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) or the Low-Income 

Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Laws to promote equal employment 

opportunity for women also require census data on gender. The U.S. Department of 

Veterans Aff airs must use census data to develop its state projections of veterans’ 

facilities and benefi ts. 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

3 What is Person 1’s sex? Mark (X) ONE box.

Male Female
11

HISPANIC ORIGIN asked since 1970

Social Services

Under the Public Health Service Act, 

Hispanic origin is one of the factors 

used in identifying segments of the 

population who may not be getting 

needed medical services.

Government

The Voting Rights Act ensures 

equality in voting. Compliance of 

local jurisdictions is monitored using 

counts of the voting-age population by 

national origin.

Employment

Data about Hispanic origin are 

used to monitor and enforce equal 

employment opportunities under the 

Civil Rights Act.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

Hispanic origin is used in numerous programs and is vital in making policy decisions. 

These data are needed to determine compliance with provisions of antidiscrimination 

in employment and minority recruitment legislation. Under the Voting Rights Act, data 

about Hispanic origin are essential to ensure enforcement of bilingual election rules. 

Hispanic origin classifi cations used by the Census Bureau and other federal agencies 

meet the requirements of standards issued by the Offi ce of Management and Budget 

in 1997 (Revisions to the Standards for the Classifi cation of Federal Data on Race and 

Ethnicity). These standards set forth guidance for statistical collection and reporting on 

race and ethnicity used by all federal agencies.

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

No, not of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin

Yes, Cuban

Yes, Mexican, Mexican Am., Chicano

Yes, Puerto Rican

Yes, another Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin – Print origin, for example, 

Argentinean, Colombian, Dominican, Nicaraguan, Salvadoran, Spaniard, 

and so on.

5 Is Person 1 of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin?
12

RACE asked since 1790

Education

Under Title 20, race is used as part 

of the formula to fund programs that 

foster equal opportunity through 

postsecondary education for African 

Americans. This is achieved by funding 

programs at historically Black colleges 

and universities in professional and 

academic areas where African Americans 

are underrepresented in society.

Employment

Race, under the Civil Rights Act, is 

used to assess fairness of employment 

practices.

Social Services

For the Public Health Service Act, race 

is a key factor in identifying segments 

of the population who may not be 

receiving needed medical services. 

Government

States require data about the racial 

makeup of the voting-age population 

to meet legislative redistricting requirements.

Data about race are needed to monitor 

compliance with the Voting Rights Act 

by local jurisdictions.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

Race is key to implementing any number of federal laws and is a critical factor in the 

basic research behind numerous policies. Race data are required by federal programs 

promoting equal employment opportunity and are needed to assess racial disparities 

in health and access to care, among other uses. Racial classifi cations used by the 

Census Bureau and other federal agencies meet the requirements of standards issued 

by the Offi ce of Management and Budget in 1997 (Revisions to the Standards for 

the Classifi cation of Federal Data on Race and Ethnicity). These standards set forth 

guidance for statistical collection and reporting on race and ethnicity used by all 

federal agencies.

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

White

American Indian or Alaska Native — Print name of enrolled or principal tribe.

Black, African Am., or Negro

Asian Indian

Chinese

Filipino

Other Asian – Print race,

for example, Hmong, 

Laotian, Thai, Pakistani, 

Cambodian, and so on.

Native Hawaiian

Guamanian or Chamorro

Samoan

Other Pacific Islander – 

Print race, for example, 

Fijian, Tongan, and 

so on.

6 What is Person 1’s race? Mark (X) one or more boxes.

Japanese

Korean

Vietnamese

Some other race – Print race.

6
13

RELATIONSHIP asked since 1880

Government

Federal agencies use data about 

relationship for a variety of 

programmatic purposes.

Housing

Data about families in poverty are used 

to distribute funds for housing to local 

governments.

Education

Data about relationship are used to 

allocate funds to states and counties 

to improve the education of children in 

low-income families.

Social Services

Local health agencies plan and 

administer programs promoting the 

well-being of families and children 

using information on relationship.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

The census subject about relationship is essential for classifying the population into 

families and other groups. Information about changes in the composition of the 

American family, from the number of people living alone to the number of children 

living with only one parent, is essential for planning and carrying out a number of 

federal programs. In federally funded nutrition and education programs, how the 

money is spent hinges, at least partially, on decennial census program data about 

relationship. 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

Husband or wife

Adopted son or daughter

Brother or sister

Biological son or daughter

Stepson or stepdaughter

Father or mother

Grandchild

Son-in-law or daughter-in-law

Roomer or boarder

Unmarried partner

Other relative

Housemate or roommate

Foster child

Other nonrelative

2 How is this person related to Person 1? Mark (X) ONE box.

Parent-in-law

w
14

MARITAL STATUS asked since 1880

Social Services

Data about marital status are used 

for budget and resource planning 

to identify the number of children 

needing special services (e.g., children 

in single-parent households). 

Communities use census data about 

marital status to pinpoint areas with 

large numbers of single-parent families 

and identify needs for childcare, 

medical care, and other social services.

Housing

Local governments use data about 

marital status in assessing needs for 

housing and other community development services. 

Employment

Community organizations use data 

about marital status to identify needs 

for job training and housing for 

displaced homemakers.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

Planning and implementing many government programs calls for accurate information 

on marital status, such as the number of married women in the labor force, elderly 

widowed individuals, or young single people who soon may establish homes of their 

own. For the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, data about marital 

status help defi ne qualifying census tracts for the Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and 

the Mortgage Revenue Bonds Programs. 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

Now married

Widowed

Divorced

Separated

Never married ➔ SKIP to H

19 What is this person’s marital status?
15

FERTILITY asked 1900–1910, 1940–1990; asked in the ACS since 1996

Data about fertility are used to predict 

the number of children who will need 

adoptive homes under the Child 

Welfare Act.

The Indian Health Service uses data 

about the number of babies born 

to determine the need for family 

planning services for its serviceeligible population.

Information about children born in the 

past 12 months is used in research on 

the family size of female adolescents 

and their actual birth rates in later life.

The National Center for Health 

Statistics computes vital statistics for 

subnational areas using data about 

children born in the past 12 months.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

Social Services

The number of children born in the past 12 months is a measure of fertility that is 

used to project the future size of the population, a basic planning tool for agencies of 

the government. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services uses these data 

to carry out various programs required by statute, including determining the need for 

family planning services within the Indian Health Service, investigating matters on 

child welfare in the Children’s Bureau, and conducting research for voluntary family 

planning programs.

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

Yes

No

23 Has this person given birth to any children in

the past 12 months?
16

GRANDPARENTS AS CAREGIVERS asked since 1999

Business

Daycare centers and other businesses 

use these data to develop new 

products and services for their 

communities.

Government

State and local governments, 

faith-based and other nonprofi t 

organizations, and businesses use 

these data to plan, budget, and pay 

benefi ts.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

This question was added to the American Community Survey in 1999 to comply with 

legislation passed in the 104th Congress requiring that the decennial census program 

obtain information about grandparents who have primary responsibility for the care 

of their grandchildren. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services uses these 

data to distinguish households in which a grandparent has primary responsibility for 

a child or children and also uses these data for the High Performance Bonus Awards 

Program under the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families Program.

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

Yes

No ➔ SKIP to question 25

b. Is this grandparent currently responsible for

most of the basic needs of any grandchild(ren)

under the age of 18 who live(s) in this house or

apartment?

Yes

No ➔ SKIP to question 25

c. How long has this grandparent been

responsible for the(se) grandchild(ren)?

If the grandparent is financially responsible for

more than one grandchild, answer the question

for the grandchild for whom the grandparent has

been responsible for the longest period of time.

24 a. Does this person have any of his/her own

grandchildren under the age of 18 living in

this house or apartment?

Less than 6 months

6 to 11 months

1 or 2 years

3 or 4 years

5 or more years

2
17

ANCESTRY asked since 1980

Social Services

Data about ancestry assist states and 

local agencies to develop health care 

and other services tailored to meet the 

language and cultural diversity of the 

elderly in these groups.

Under the Public Health Service Act, 

ancestry is one of the factors used in 

identifying segments of the population 

who may not be receiving needed 

medical services.

Employment

Data about ancestry are used to 

evaluate the eff ectiveness of equal 

employment opportunity policies and 

programs for diff erent ethnic groups 

under the Civil Rights Act.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

Ancestry identifi es the ethnic origins of the population. Federal agencies regard this 

information as essential for fulfi lling many important needs. Ancestry is required to 

enforce provisions under the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based 

upon race, sex, religion, and national origin. More generally, these data are needed to 

measure the social and economic characteristics of ethnic groups and to tailor services 

to accommodate cultural diff erences. 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

➔

(For example: Italian, Jamaican, African Am.,

Cambodian, Cape Verdean, Norwegian, Dominican,

French Canadian, Haitian, Korean, Lebanese, Polish,

Nigerian, Mexican, Taiwanese, Ukrainian, and so on.)

s

nly

12 What is this person’s ancestry or ethnic origin?
18

PLACE OF BIRTH asked since 1850

CITIZENSHIP asked 1820–1830, 1870, since 1890

YEAR OF ENTRY asked 1890–1930, since 1970

These questions provide essential data for setting and evaluating immigration policies 

and laws. Knowing the characteristics of immigrants helps legislators and others 

understand how diff erent immigrant groups are assimilated. Federal agencies require 

these data to develop programs for refugees and other foreign born individuals. Vital 

information on lifetime migration among states also comes from the place of birth 

question.

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

Where was this person born?

In the United States – Print name of state.

Yes, born in the United States ➔ SKIP to 10a

Outside the United States – Print name of

foreign country, or Puerto Rico, Guam, etc.

Yes, born in Puerto Rico, Guam, the

U.S. Virgin Islands, or Northern Marianas

Yes, born abroad of U.S. citizen parent 

or parents

No, not a U.S. citizen

Yes, U.S. citizen by naturalization – Print year of naturalization

Is this person a citizen of the United States?

When did this person come to live in the

United States? Print numbers in boxes.

Year

7

8

9

1
19

PLACE OF BIRTH asked since 1850

CITIZENSHIP asked 1820–1830, 1870, since 1890

YEAR OF ENTRY asked 1890–1930, since 1970

Education

Data are used to allocate funds 

to public and private nonprofi t 

organizations to provide employment 

resources aimed at making the foreign 

born economically self-suffi cient.

Social Services

These data are used, in conjunction 

with the Public Health Service Act, to 

assist states and local agencies with 

developing health care and other 

services tailored to the language and 

cultural diversity of the foreign-born.

Government

The U.S. Department of Homeland 

Security uses citizenship data to 

project staffi ng and other resource 

needs to complete the naturalization 

process for noncitizens.

Under the Voting Rights Act, these 

data are required to evaluate voting 

practices of governmental subdivisions 

(e.g., states, counties, and school 

districts).

Employment

Data about place of birth and 

citizenship are used to evaluate the 

eff ectiveness of equal employment 

opportunity policies and programs 

under the Civil Rights Act.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS
20

LANGUAGE SPOKEN AT HOME asked 1890–1940, since 1960

Education

Data on language are used to allocate 

grants to school districts for children 

with limited English language 

profi ciency. 

State and local educational agencies 

receive grants for programs to improve 

educational skills, complete secondary 

schooling, and provide job training and 

placement for adults based on data 

about language. 

Social Services

State and local agencies concerned 

with aging develop health care and 

other services tailored to the language 

and cultural diversity of the elderly 

under the Older Americans Act.

Government

Under the Voting Rights Act, these 

data are needed to assess the fairness 

of voting practices in governmental 

subdivisions.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

Government agencies use information on language spoken at home for their programs 

that serve the needs of the foreign born and specifi cally those who have diffi culty 

with English. Under the Voting Rights Act, language is needed to meet statutory 

requirements for making voting materials available in minority languages. Specifi cally, 

the Census Bureau is directed, using data about language spoken at home and the 

ability to speak English, to identify minority groups that speak a language other than 

English and to assess their English-speaking ability. The U.S. Department of Education 

uses these data to prepare a report to Congress on the social and economic status of 

children served by diff erent local school districts.

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

Yes

No ➔ SKIP to question 14a

➔

b. What is this language?

c. How well does this person speak English?

Very well

Well

Not well

Not at all

For example: Korean, Italian, Spanish, Vietnamese

g?

a. Does this person speak a language other than

English at home?

13
21

EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT asked since 1940

SCHOOL ENROLLMENT asked since 1850

Educational attainment and school enrollment data are needed for use in assessing

the socioeconomic condition of school-age children. Government agencies 

also require these data for funding allocations and program planning and 

implementation. The data are needed to determine the extent of illiteracy rates of 

citizens in language minorities in order to meet statutory requirements under the 

Voting Rights Act.

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

No, has not attended in the last 3 months ➔ 

SKIP to question 11

Yes, public school, public college

Yes, private school, private college, 

home school

Nursery school, preschool

Kindergarten

Grade 1 through 12 – Specify grade 1 – 12

College undergraduate years (freshman to

senior)

Graduate or professional school beyond a

bachelor’s degree (for example: MA or PhD program, or medical or law school)

10 a. At any time IN THE LAST 3 MONTHS, has this

person attended school or college? Include only

nursery or preschool, kindergarten, elementary

school, home school, and schooling which leads

to a high school diploma or a college degree.

b. What grade or level was this person attending?

Mark (X) ONE box.

1

What is the highest degree or level of school

this person has COMPLETED? Mark (X) ONE box.

If currently enrolled, mark the previous grade or

highest degree received.

No schooling completed

Regular high school diploma

Some college credit, but less than 1 year of

college credit

Master’s degree (for example: MA, MS, MEng, MEd, MSW, MBA)

Professional degree beyond a bachelor’s degree

(for example: MD, DDS, DVM, LLB, JD)

Doctorate degree (for example: PhD, EdD)

12th grade – NO DIPLOMA

1 or more years of college credit, no degree

Associate’s degree (for example: AA, AS)

Bachelor’s degree (for example: BA, BS)

11 1

NURSERY OR PRESCHOOL THROUGH GRADE 12

Nursery school

Kindergarten

Grade 1 through 11 – Specify grade 1 – 11

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE

GED or alternative credential

COLLEGE OR SOME COLLEGE

AFTER BACHELOR’S DEGREE

NO SCHOOLING COMPLETED
22

EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT asked since 1940

SCHOOL ENROLLMENT asked since 1850

Education

Based on data about educational 

attainment, school districts are 

allocated funds to provide classes in 

basic skills to adults who have not 

completed high school.

The U.S. Department of Education uses 

school enrollment data to develop 

adult education and literacy programs 

based on the number of individuals 

with limited English profi ciency.

Government

The U.S. Department of Justice uses 

school enrollment data in the 

enforcement work against discrimination 

in education.

Employment

Employers use information about the 

educational attainment levels of the 

labor force to locate new jobs and 

stimulate economic growth.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS
23

RESIDENCE 1 YEAR AGO asked in the ACS since 1999

Residence 1 year ago is used to assess the residential stability and the eff ects of 

migration in both urban and rural areas. This item provides information on the mobility 

of our population. Knowing the number and characteristics of movers is essential for 

federal programs dealing with employment, housing, education, and the elderly. The 

U.S. Department of Veterans Aff airs develops its mandated projections of the need for 

hospitals and other veteran benefi ts for each state with migration data about veterans. 

The Census Bureau develops state age and sex estimates and small-area population 

projections based on data about residence 1 year ago.

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

No, outside the United States and 

Puerto Rico – Print name of foreign country, or U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, etc., below; 

then SKIP to question 15

Yes, this house ➔ SKIP to question 15

e

Person is under 1 year old ➔ SKIP to 

question 15

b. Where did this person live 1 year ago?

Name of city, town, or post office

ZIP Code

Name of U.S. county or municipio in

Puerto Rico

Name of U.S. state or 

Puerto Rico

14

No, different house in the United States or

Puerto Rico

a. Did this person live in this house or apartment

1 year ago?

Address (Number and street name)
24

RESIDENCE 1 YEAR AGO asked in the ACS since 1999

Social Services

State and local agencies concerned 

with aging develop health care and 

other services for the elderly using 

information on where people lived 1 

year ago. These data indicate changes 

in the location of seniors that may 

aff ect the need for future services in 

specifi c areas.

Local governments use data about 

migration to forecast the demand for 

new public facilities such as schools, 

hospitals, libraries, and fi re and police 

stations.

Government

Planners and policy makers use data 

about the number of persons moving 

into, or out of, an area to estimate 

state and county population growth.

Research, based on data about 

migration, shows changes in the 

socioeconomic profi les of areas. The 

data are used by many government 

agencies for program planning, 

especially for rural parts of the 

country.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS
25

VETERAN STATUS AND

PERIOD OF MILITARY SERVICE asked 1840, 1890, 1910, since 1930

Social Services

At state and county levels, veteran 

status is used for budgeting and 

program planning for medical services 

and nursing home care for veterans.

The U.S. Department of Veterans 

Aff airs needs data about veteran status 

in planning the locations and sizes of 

veterans’ cemeteries.

For the Public Health Service Act, 

veteran status is used as one factor 

to determine the segments of the 

population who may not be receiving 

needed medical services.

Employment

Data about veteran status are used 

to allocate funds to states and local 

areas for employment and job training 

programs for veterans.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

Veteran status, including period of military service, is used primarily by the U.S. 

Department of Veterans Aff airs to measure the needs of veterans and to evaluate the 

impact of veterans’ programs dealing with education, employment, and health care. 

These data are needed to conduct policy analysis, program planning, and budgeting 

for federal veterans’ programs and for reports to Congress on state projections of 

veterans’ facilities and services.

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

25 Has this person ever served on active duty in the

U.S. Armed Forces, military Reserves, or National

Guard? Active duty does not include training for the

Reserves or National Guard, but DOES include 

activation, for example, for the Persian Gulf War.

Yes, now on active duty

Yes, on active duty in the past, but not 

during the last 12 months

No, training for Reserves or National Guard 

only ➔ SKIP to question 27a

No, never served in the military ➔ SKIP to

question 28a

Yes, on active duty during 

the last 12 months, but not now

26 When did this person serve on active duty in the

U.S. Armed Forces? Mark (X) a box for EACH period

in which this person served, even if just for part of the

period.

September 2001 or later

August 1990 to August 2001 (including 

Persian Gulf War)

September 1980 to July 1990

May 1975 to August 1980

Vietnam era (August 1964 to April 1975)

March 1961 to July 1964

Korean War (July 1950 to January 1955)

World War II (December 1941 to December 1946)

February 1955 to February 1961

January 1947 to June 1950

November 1941 or earlier
26

DISABILITY asked 1830–1930, since 1970

Information on disability is used by a number of federal agencies to distribute funds 

and develop programs for people with disabilities. For example, data about the 

size, distribution, and needs of the disabled population are essential for developing 

disability employment policy. For the Americans with Disabilities Act, data about 

functional limitations are important to ensure that comparable public transportation 

services are available for all segments of the population. Federal grants are awarded, 

under the Older Americans Act, based on the number of elderly people with physical 

and mental disabilities.

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

16

Yes

No

a. Is this person deaf or does he/she have

serious difficulty hearing?

b. Is this person blind or does he/she have 

serious difficulty seeing even when wearing

glasses?

Yes

No

Yes

No

Because of a physical, mental, or emotional

condition, does this person have difficulty 

doing errands alone such as visiting a doctor’s

office or shopping?

18

c. Does this person have difficulty dressing or

bathing?

Yes

No

a. Because of a physical, mental, or emotional

condition, does this person have serious 

difficulty concentrating, remembering, or

making decisions?

Yes

No

17

b. Does this person have serious difficulty

walking or climbing stairs?

Yes

No
27

DISABILITY asked 1830–1930, since 1970

Transportation

Disability data are used to allocate 

funds for mass transit systems to 

provide handicapped facilities. 

Under the Americans with Disabilities 

Act, local transit authorities use the 

data on the number of individuals 

with functional limitations in order to 

ensure public transportation services 

are comparable to those for individuals 

without disabilities. 

Employment

Data about people with disabilities are 

used to allocate funds to states and 

local areas for employment and job 

training programs for veterans.

Social Services

Under the Older Americans Act, these 

data assist state and local agencies 

concerned with aging to develop 

health care and other services tailored 

to the disabilities of the elderly.

Disability data are used by state and 

county agencies to plan for eligible 

recipients under the Medicare and 

Medicaid programs.

 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS
28

INCOME asked since 1940

Income is a vital measure of general economic circumstances. Income data are used 

to determine poverty status, to measure economic well-being, and to assess the 

need for assistance. These data are included in federal allocation formulas for many 

government programs. 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

4

Yes ➔

No

Mark (X) the "Yes" box for each type of income this

person received, and give your best estimate of the

TOTAL AMOUNT during the PAST 12 MONTHS. 

(NOTE: The "past 12 months" is the period from

today’s date one year ago up through today.)

Mark (X) the "No" box to show types of income

NOT received.

If net income was a loss, mark the "Loss" box to

the right of the dollar amount. 

For income received jointly, report the appropriate

share for each person – or, if that’s not possible, 

report the whole amount for only one person and 

mark the "No" box for the other person.

$ .00 ,

a. Wages, salary, commissions, bonuses, 

or tips from all jobs. Report amount before

deductions for taxes, bonds, dues, or other items.

TOTAL AMOUNT for past 12 months

Yes ➔

No

$ .00 ,

b. Self-employment income from own nonfarm

businesses or farm businesses, including

proprietorships and partnerships. Report 

NET income after business expenses.

TOTAL AMOUNT for past 12 months

Loss

46 INCOME IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS.

D

c. Interest, dividends, net rental income,

royalty income, or income from estates

and trusts. Report even small amounts credited

to an account.

Yes ➔

No

$ .00 ,

TOTAL AMOUNT for past 12 months

Loss

d. Social Security or Railroad Retirement.

Yes ➔

No TOTAL AMOUNT for past 12 months

$ .00 ,

Yes ➔

No

e. Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

TOTAL AMOUNT for past 12 months

$ .00 ,

Yes ➔

No

f. Any public assistance or welfare payments

from the state or local welfare office.

TOTAL AMOUNT for past 12 months

$ .00 ,

Yes ➔

No

$ .00 ,

g. Retirement, survivor, or disability pensions.

Do NOT include Social Security.

TOTAL AMOUNT for past 12 months

47 What was this person’s total income during the

PAST 12 MONTHS? Add entries in questions 46a

to 46h; subtract any losses. If net income was a loss,

enter the amount and mark (X) the "Loss" box next to

the dollar amount.

h. Any other sources of income received 

regularly such as Veterans’ (VA) payments,

unemployment compensation, child support

or alimony. Do NOT include lump sum payments

such as money from an inheritance or the sale of a

home.

Yes ➔

No

$ .00 ,

TOTAL AMOUNT for past 12 months

$ .00 , , None OR

Loss

TOTAL AMOUNT for past 12 months

s
29

INCOME asked since 1940

Social Services

Under the Older Americans Act, funds 

for food, health care, and legal services 

are distributed to local agencies based 

on data about elderly people with low 

incomes. 

Data about income at the state and 

county levels are used to allocate 

funds for food, health care, and 

classes in meal planning to low-income 

women with children.

Employment

Income data are used to identify local 

areas eligible for grants to stimulate 

economic recovery, run job-training 

programs, and defi ne areas such as 

empowerment or enterprise zones.

Housing

Under the Low-Income Home Energy 

Assistance Program, income data are 

used to allocate funds to areas for 

home energy aid.

Under the Community Development 

Block Grant Program, funding for

housing assistance and other 

community development is based on 

income and other decennial census data. 

Education

Data about poor children are used 

to allocate funds to counties and 

school districts. These funds provide 

resources and services to improve 

the education of economically 

disadvantaged children.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS
30

FOOD STAMPS BENEFIT asked in the ACS since 1996

Governments

State and local governments need to 

compare the number of families and 

individuals needing food assistance 

with those receiving food stamps. 

Special attention needs to be paid 

to the working poor. Adjusting 

food stamp eligibility guidelines 

and instituting supplemental food 

assistance programs could meet 

shortfalls that are identifi ed.

Social Services

Faith-based and other nonprofi t 

organizations use information about 

food assistance needs that are not 

being met by government programs to 

plan and budget for food banks, food 

kitchens, and other programs.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

Under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, the U.S. Department 

of Health and Human Services continues to monitor and report state performance 

on a variety of outcomes including work status, family formation, and food stamp 

participation. The question on food stamps can help to assess state performance in 

the current year, food stamp participation rate for low-income, working families with 

children, and the change in the participation rate of such families in the state over the 

prior year.

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

12 IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS, did anyone in

this household receive Food Stamps or

a Food Stamp benefit card?

Yes

No
31

LABOR FORCE STATUS asked since 1930

Labor force status is key to understanding work and unemployment patterns and the 

availability of workers. Based on labor market areas and unemployment levels, the U.S. 

Department of Labor identifi es service delivery areas and determines amounts to be 

allocated to each for job training. The impact of immigration on the economy and job 

markets is determined partially by labor force data, and this information is included 

in required reports to Congress. The Offi ce of Management and Budget, under the 

Paperwork Reduction Act, uses data about employed workers as part of the criteria for 

defi ning metropolitan areas. The Bureau of Economic Analysis uses this information, 

in conjunction with other data, to develop its state per capita income estimates used 

in the allocation formulas and eligibility criteria of many federal programs such as 

Medicaid.

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

a. LAST WEEK, did this person work for pay

at a job (or business)?

28

Yes ➔ SKIP to question 29

No – Did not work (or retired)

b. LAST WEEK, did this person do ANY work 

for pay, even for as little as one hour?

Yes

No ➔ SKIP to question 34a

a. LAST WEEK, was this person on layoff from

a job?

34

Yes ➔ SKIP to question 34c

No

b. LAST WEEK, was this person TEMPORARILY

absent from a job or business?

Yes, on vacation, temporary illness,

maternity leave, other family/personal

reasons, bad weather, etc. ➔ SKIP to

question 37

No ➔ SKIP to question 35

c. Has this person been informed that he or she

will be recalled to work within the next

6 months OR been given a date to return to

work?

Yes ➔ SKIP to question 36

No

No ➔ SKIP to question 37

Yes

No, because of own temporary illness

Yes, could have gone to work

No, because of all other reasons (in school, etc.)

1 to 5 years ago ➔ SKIP to

Within the past 12 months

Over 5 years ago or never worked ➔ SKIP to

question 46

During the LAST 4 WEEKS, has this person been

ACTIVELY looking for work?

35

When did this person last work, even for a few

days?

37

LAST WEEK, could this person have started a

job if offered one, or returned to work if

recalled?

36

K
32

LABOR FORCE STATUS asked since 1930

For local areas with substantial 

unemployment, labor force data are 

used to allocate funds and identify 

programs that create new jobs. 

Data are used to target state and 

local areas with a labor force surplus 

for programs that promote business 

opportunities.

Within the U.S. Department of Labor, 

data about the labor force are needed 

to evaluate job complaints reported on 

the basis of disability.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

Employment
33

INDUSTRY asked 1820, 1840, since 1910

OCCUPATION asked since 1850

CLASS OF WORKER asked since 1910

These questions describe the work activity and occupational experience of the 

American labor force. Data are used to formulate policy and programs for employment, 

career development and training, and to measure compliance with antidiscrimination 

policies. Mandated reports for Congress on the labor force rely on the analysis of these 

characteristics. The Bureau of Economic Analysis uses this information, in conjunction 

with other data, to develop its state per capita income estimates used in the allocation 

formulas or for eligibility criteria in many federal programs such as Medicaid and plans 

to use the county-level information to develop its county and state per capita income 

estimates.

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

4

Was this person – 

Mark (X) ONE box.

40

an employee of a PRIVATE FOR PROFIT

company or business, or of an individual, for

wages, salary, or commissions?

an employee of a PRIVATE NOT FOR PROFIT, 

tax-exempt, or charitable organization?

a local GOVERNMENT employee

(city, county, etc.)?

a state GOVERNMENT employee?

a Federal GOVERNMENT employee?

SELF-EMPLOYED in own NOT INCORPORATED

business, professional practice, or farm?

SELF-EMPLOYED in own INCORPORATED

business, professional practice, or farm?

working WITHOUT PAY in family business

or farm?

44 What kind of work was this person doing?

(For example: registered nurse, personnel manager, 

supervisor of order department, secretary, 

accountant)

45 What were this person’s most important

activities or duties? (For example: patient care,

directing hiring policies, supervising order clerks,

typing and filing, reconciling financial records)

manufacturing?

wholesale trade?

retail trade?

other (agriculture, construction, service,

government, etc.)?

43 Is this mainly – Mark (X) one box.

42 What kind of business or industry was this?

Describe the activity at the location where employed.

(For example: hospital, newspaper publishing, mail

order house, auto engine manufacturing, bank)

If now on active duty in

the Armed Forces, mark (X) this box ➔ 

and print the branch of the Armed Forces.

Name of company, business, or other employer

41 For whom did this person work?
34

INDUSTRY asked 1820, 1840, since 1910

OCCUPATION asked since 1850

CLASS OF WORKER asked since 1910

Employment

Information about industry, 

occupation, and class of worker 

is important for creating jobs as 

companies use these data to decide 

where to locate new plants, stores, or 

offi ces.

Agencies use these data to plan jobtraining programs for seniors.

Federal agencies use these data 

in litigation where employment 

discrimination is alleged.

Social Services

Data are used to estimate the demand 

for staff in health care occupations and 

their geographic distribution based on 

these data.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS
35

PLACE OF WORK AND JOURNEY TO WORK asked since 1960

Basic knowledge about commuting patterns and the characteristics of commuter 

travel come from responses to these questions. The commuting data are essential for 

planning highway improvements and developing public transportation services, as 

well as for designing programs to ease traffi c problems during peak periods, conserve 

energy, reduce pollution, and estimate and project the demand for alternative-fueled 

vehicles. The data are required to develop standards for reducing work-related vehicle 

trips and increasing passenger occupancy during peak periods of travel. The Bureau of 

Economic Analysis (BEA) plans to use county-level data in computing gross commuting 

fl ows to develop place-of-residence earnings estimates from place-of-work estimates 

by industry. In addition, BEA also plans to use these data for state personal income 

estimates for determining federal fund allocations.

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

a. Address (Number and street name)

If the exact address is not known, give a

description of the location such as the building

name or the nearest street or intersection.

b. Name of city, town, or post office

c. Is the work location inside the limits of that

city or town?

Yes

No, outside the city/town limits

d. Name of county

e. Name of U.S. state or foreign country

f. ZIP Code

At what location did this person work LAST

WEEK? If this person worked at more than one

location, print where he or she worked most

last week.

29 How did this person usually get to work LAST

WEEK? If this person usually used more than one

method of transportation during the trip, mark (X)

the box of the one used for most of the distance.

30

Car, truck, or van

Bus or trolley bus

Streetcar or trolley car

Subway or elevated

Railroad

Ferryboat

Taxicab

Motorcycle

Bicycle

Walked

Worked at

home ➔ SKIP

to question 38a

Other method

What time did this person usually leave home

to go to work LAST WEEK?

32

Person(s)

a.m.

p.m.

Hour Minute

:

How many people, including this person, 

usually rode to work in the car, truck, or van 

LAST WEEK?

31

How many minutes did it usually take this

person to get from home to work LAST WEEK?

33

Minutes
36

PLACE OF WORK AND JOURNEY TO WORK asked since 1960

Transportation

These data form the database used by 

state departments of transportation 

and the more than 350 metropolitan 

planning organizations responsible for 

comprehensive transportation planning 

activities. 

Metropolitan planning organizations 

use the data to manage traffi c 

congestion and develop strategies 

to mitigate congestion, such as 

carpooling programs and fl exible work 

schedules. 

Public transit agencies use these data 

to plan for transit investments, identify 

areas needing better transit service, 

determine the most effi cient routes, 

and plan for services for disabled 

persons.

Emergency Preparedness

Police and fi re departments use data 

about where people work to plan 

emergency services in areas of high 

concentrations of employment. 

Employment

Data are used to identify patterns of 

discrimination in hiring among minorities and other population groups 

within labor markets.

Banking

Financial institutions use data about 

commuting patterns and occupation 

to defi ne market areas for describing 

lending practices and the eff ects of 

bank mergers.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS
37

WORK STATUS LAST YEAR asked since 1940

Under the Older Americans Act, these 

data are used to plan employment 

programs for the elderly.

Researchers use these data to analyze 

diff erences between men and women 

or among various race or ethnic 

groups for individuals with similar 

weeks or hours worked.

Companies use data on work status 

last year to make decisions on where 

to place new plants or offi ces.

Data on work status last year are used 

for legal cases on discrimination under 

the Civil Rights Act.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

Employment

To comply with provisions of the Civil Rights Act, the U.S. Department of Justice uses 

the data to determine the availability of individuals for work. Government agencies, 

in considering the programmatic and policy aspects of providing federal assistance 

to areas, have emphasized the requirements for reliable data to determine the 

employment resources available. Data about the number of weeks and hours worked 

last year are essential because the data allow the characterization of workers by fulltime/part-time and full-year/part-year status. Data about working last year are also 

necessary for collecting accurate income data by defi ning the universe of persons who 

should have earnings as part of their total income. 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

b. How many weeks DID this person work, even

for a few hours, including paid vacation, paid

sick leave, and military service?

Yes ➔ SKIP to question 39

No

During the PAST 12 MONTHS, in the WEEKS

WORKED, how many hours did this person 

usually work each WEEK?

39

50 to 52 weeks

48 to 49 weeks

40 to 47 weeks

27 to 39 weeks

14 to 26 weeks

13 weeks or less

Usual hours worked each WEEK

a. During the PAST 12 MONTHS (52 weeks), did

this person work 50 or more weeks? Count

paid time off as work.

38
38

VEHICLES AVAILABLE asked since 1960

Transportation

Based on studies of the typical number 

of daily trips taken by households with 

diff ering numbers of vehicles available, 

state and metropolitan transportation 

planning agencies use the data about 

vehicles available to estimate total 

vehicle travel and forecast future travel 

and its eff ect on their transportation 

systems.

The data are used to help form the 

database used by state departments of 

transportation and the more than 350 

metropolitan planning organizations 

responsible for comprehensive transportation planning activities. Programs 

include transportation safety, longrange transportation investments, 

emergency response, and evacuation 

planning.

Social Services

State and local agencies use the data 

to determine the need for special 

transportation services for the elderly 

and disabled.

Social service agencies use the data 

to plan for emergency transportation 

services in areas of high concentrations 

of households with no vehicle available, such as isolated rural communities.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

Vehicles available describes, for each household, the number of passenger cars, 

vans, and trucks of one-ton capacity or less kept at home and available for the use 

of household members. Used in combination with the place-of-work and journey-towork data collected in the American Community Survey, data about vehicles available 

are essential for transportation programs. For the U.S. Department of Transportation, 

data about vehicles available are used to develop policies and to plan a number of 

transportation programs. The U.S. Department of Energy uses the information to 

estimate and forecast energy consumption of motor vehicles and for planning and 

establishing program activities as part of the Alternative Fueled Vehicles Program.

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

How many automobiles, vans, and trucks

of one-ton capacity or less are kept at

home for use by members of this

household?

None

1

2

3

4

5

6 or more

9
39

YEAR STRUCTURE BUILT asked since 1940

Energy

The age of housing is used to forecast 

future energy consumption.

Housing

The data are used in housing 

assistance programs as a component 

of measures of substandard housing. 

The data are used to allocate funds 

to local governments under the 

Community Development Block 

Grant Program and Public Housing 

Modernization formulas.

Banking

The Federal Reserve Board uses the 

data to implement the Home Mortgage 

Disclosure Act that requires lending 

institutions to disclose details of 

lending practices as a safeguard 

against unfair housing practices in 

certain communities.

Social Services

Local areas use the data about the 

year structure was built for forecasting 

the needs for services such as fi re 

protection.

The data are used to profi le the ages 

of the structures lived in by eligible 

households under the Low-Income 

Home Energy Assistance Program.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

The year the structure was built determines the age of housing units. The data are 

integral components used by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 

in the development of Fair Market Rents for all areas of the country. These data are 

valuable to several federal agencies in developing formulas for allocating funds and 

determining substandard housing. Funding formulas used by the U.S. Department of 

Housing and Urban Development mandate the use of these data. The data are also 

used to design the U.S. Department of Energy’s legislatively mandated Residential 

Energy Consumption Survey. 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

About when was this building first built?

1990 to 1999

1980 to 1989

1970 to 1979

1960 to 1969

1950 to 1959

1940 to 1949

1939 or earlier

2000 or later – Specify year

2
40

UNITS IN STRUCTURE asked since 1940

The number of units in the structure subdivides the housing inventory into one-family 

homes, apartments, and mobile homes. The data are integral components used by 

the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to set Fair Market Rents for 

all areas of the country. When combined with other American Community Survey 

items such as tenure (whether a home is owned or rented), income, and year structure 

built, units in structure serves as the basic identifi er of housing used in many federal 

programs. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is required to profi le 

housing unit types for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) 

eligible households.

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

1

A mobile home

A one-family house detached from any

other house

Which best describes this building?

Include all apartments, flats, etc., even if

vacant.

A building with 2 apartments

A building with 3 or 4 apartments

A building with 5 to 9 apartments

A building with 10 to 19 apartments

A building with 20 to 49 apartments

A building with 50 or more apartments

Boat, RV, van, etc.

A one-family house attached to one or

more houses
41

UNITS IN STRUCTURE asked since 1940

Housing

The U.S. Department of Housing and 

Urban Development uses the data to 

assess the multifamily housing market 

in local areas before issuing any funds 

for assisted housing. 

State and local planners use data 

about the number of housing units by 

structure type to forecast the need for 

services such as roads and hospitals.

Health

The Indian Health Service and local 

health agencies use the data to 

assess the potential for the spread of 

communicable disease.

Emergency Preparedness

Federal, state, and local offi cials use 

the data to identify concentrations 

of mobile homes in tornado- and 

hurricane-prone areas in creating 

emergency-preparedness plans.

Banking

Data about the type of structure 

is used to assess fairness in home 

lending practices.

Energy

Data about utility costs by type of 

structure are used to analyze current 

energy supply and consumption and 

predict how consumption will change 

in the future.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS
42

YEAR MOVED INTO UNIT asked since 1960

Social Services

State and local areas use data about 

mobility to project the need for schools 

and services such as police and fi re 

protection.

Local agencies use the data to evaluate 

changes in service requirements in 

a given area because of migration of 

older people to or from the area. 

Housing

State and local planners study and 

analyze demographic and economic 

characteristics of households that have 

recently moved to assess the adequacy 

of the housing stock to meet shelter 

needs.

Emergency Preparedness

Federal and local emergency 

management agencies use the data 

to assess the amount of displacement 

caused by hurricanes and other natural 

disasters.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

Data about the year the householder moved into the unit provides information on 

the specifi c period of time when mobility occurs, especially for recent movers (those 

who moved into their current home in the 12 months prior to interview). This item 

measures neighborhood stability and helps identify transient communities. The 

data are integral components used by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban 

Development in the development of Fair Market Rents for all areas of the country. 

Government agencies also use the data to calculate turnover among specifi ed 

population groups such as elderly and minority households.

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

When did PERSON 1 (listed on page 2)

move into this house, apartment, or

mobile home?

3

Month Year
43

ROOMS asked since 1940

Housing

Data about the number of persons 

per room are used to allocate funds 

for housing assistance to local 

governments. 

City and community offi cials use data 

about the number of persons per room 

to determine housing defi ciencies in 

neighborhoods.

Environment

Data about the average number of 

rooms are used in feasibility studies 

for developing waste treatment 

facilities.

Social Services

The data about the number of rooms 

are used to allocate funds to local 

areas for home energy assistance to 

low-income individuals and families 

under the Low-Income Home Energy 

Assistance Program.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

Data about the number of occupants per room is used to measure the extent of 

overcrowding among our nation’s households. A housing unit is often considered 

crowded if it has more than one person to a room. Many federal agencies use data 

about crowding to set and implement policies. The U.S. Department of Energy uses 

data on the changing size and structure of homes to forecast future energy demand. 

The number of rooms in a home also is used as a measure of housing-unit size in 

the absence of information on square footage by the U.S. Department of Housing 

and Urban Development. The Bureau of Economic Analysis uses this information in 

conjunction with other American Community Survey data to develop its state per 

capita income estimates used in the allocation formulas or eligibility criteria of more 

than 20 federal programs.

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

a. How many separate rooms are in this

house, apartment, or mobile home?

Rooms must be separated by built-in

archways or walls that extend out at least

6 inches and go from floor to ceiling.

7

• INCLUDE bedrooms, kitchens, etc.

• EXCLUDE bathrooms, porches, balconies,

foyers, halls, or unfinished basements.

Number of rooms
44

BEDROOMS asked since 1960

Data about the number of bedrooms 

are used to allocate funds to states, 

counties, and cities under the 

Community Development Block Grant 

Program. 

State and local planners use the data to 

evaluate the adequacy of the housing 

stock to shelter the population.

City and community offi cials use 

data about the number of bedrooms 

to determine housing defi ciencies in 

neighborhoods.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

Housing

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development uses bedrooms as an 

essential variable in calculating Fair Market Rents and in allocating funds for Section 

8 certifi cates and housing vouchers. The data are useful in tracking changes in the 

physical characteristics of the housing inventory over time. The number of bedrooms 

also is an indicator of housing-unit size. The U.S. Department of Energy uses data on 

the changing size and structure of homes to forecast future energy demand.

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

b. How many of these rooms are bedrooms?

Count as bedrooms those rooms you would

list if this house, apartment, or mobile home

were for sale or rent. If this is an

efficiency/studio apartment, print "0".

Number of bedrooms
45

KITCHEN FACILITIES asked since 1960

Housing

Data about complete kitchen facilities 

are used to evaluate the Community 

Development Block Grant Program, 

a program that provides grants to 

states and local governments for 

the rehabilitation of privately owned 

property that is intended to be rented 

as residences.

The data are used to distribute federal 

funds for housing assistance to local 

governments.

City and community offi cials use the 

data about complete kitchen facilities 

to determine housing defi ciencies in 

neighborhoods.

Social Services

Under the Older Americans Act, the 

data are used to determine the number 

of older people who live in inadequate 

housing and who may be candidates 

for housing assistance programs or 

placement in alternative housing.

City and community agencies use 

the data to pinpoint areas that need 

special programs, such as Meals On 

Wheels.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

Complete kitchen facilities are defi ned as a sink with piped water, a range, and 

a refrigerator. The data are integral components used by the U.S. Department of 

Housing and Urban Development in the development of Fair Market Rents for all areas 

of the country. Federal agencies use this item to identify areas eligible for housing 

assistance and rehabilitation loans and as an indicator of housing quality.

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

8 Does this house, apartment, or mobile

home have –

a. hot and cold running water?

b. a flush toilet?

c. a bathtub or shower?

d. a sink with a faucet?

f. a refrigerator?

e. a stove or range?

g. telephone service from which you can both make

and receive calls? Include

cell phones.

Yes No
46

PLUMBING FACILITIES asked since 1940

Housing

Data about complete plumbing 

facilities are used to allocate Section 8 

and other federal housing subsidies to 

local governments. These programs 

help American families aff ord decent, 

safe, and sanitary housing.

The U.S. Department of Housing and 

Urban Development uses the data as a 

critical variable to assess the quality of 

the housing stock. 

State and local agencies, along with 

the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 

identify poor quality housing by 

measuring the lack of plumbing 

facilities.

Social Services

Under the Older Americans Act, the 

data are used to determine the number 

of older people who live in inadequate 

housing and who may be candidates 

for home repair or other assistance.

The data are used by the Indian Health 

Service to identify specifi c reservations 

that are in greatest need of housing 

assistance. This information is 

included in its annual report to the 

Congress.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

Complete plumbing facilities are defi ned as hot and cold running water, a fl ush 

toilet, and a bathtub or shower. The data are essential components used by the U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development in the development of Fair Market 

Rents for all areas of the country. Federal agencies use this item to identify areas 

eligible for public assistance programs and rehabilitation loans. Public health offi cials 

use this item to locate areas in danger of ground water contamination and waterborne 

diseases.

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

8 Does this house, apartment, or mobile

home have –

a. hot and cold running water?

b. a flush toilet?

c. a bathtub or shower?

d. a sink with a faucet?

f. a refrigerator?

e. a stove or range?

g. telephone service from which you can both make

and receive calls? Include

cell phones.

Yes No
47

HOUSE HEATING FUEL asked since 1940

Housing

Local planners use the data to identify 

areas that may be at risk for unhealthy 

air quality as a consequence of reliance 

on less effi cient and clean home 

heating fuels.

State and local environmental agencies 

interested in promoting alternative 

fuels, such as solar energy, use the 

data to identify areas with favorable 

growth potential.

Energy

Utility companies and fuel oil 

distributors use the data to forecast 

the need for additional power facilities 

such as generating plants, long 

distance pipelines for oil or natural 

gas, and long distance transmission 

lines for electricity.

The Environmental Protection Agency 

uses the data to assess the adequacy 

of energy resources to meet present 

and future needs of the general public.

Social Services

The data are needed to determine 

the type of fuel used by low-income 

persons and families who receive 

assistance under the Low-Income 

Home Energy Assistance Program.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

The type of primary house heating fuel has long been used as a basic indicator of the 

adequacy of the American housing stock. Over the decades, there has been a dramatic 

shift in the fuels used to heat America’s homes. The U.S. Department of Energy uses 

the data to provide information on energy supply and consumption. Also, the U.S. 

Department of Energy uses the data to design the Residential Energy Consumption 

Survey (RECS), a legislatively mandated survey required to provide information on 

residential and commercial energy use. The data are widely used by the Environmental 

Protection Agency for planning and impact assessment.

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

s?

Which FUEL is used MOST for heating this

house, apartment, or mobile home?

Gas: from underground pipes serving the

neighborhood

Gas: bottled, tank, or LP

Electricity

Fuel oil, kerosene, etc.

Coal or coke

Wood

Solar energy

Other fuel

No fuel used

10
48

TELEPHONE SERVICE AVAILABLE asked since 1980

State and local agencies use the data to 

develop plans that deliver emergency 

telephone service. These data help 

them to assess the extent to which 

elderly and low-income households 

have access to communication in case 

they need emergency medical or crime 

prevention services.

The Administration on Aging uses data 

about telephone service as a measure 

of social isolation, one of the factors 

cited in the Older Americans Act as a 

source of “greatest social need.”

The Federal Communications Commission uses the data to evaluate its 

universal telephone service policies.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

Housing

The lack of telephone service is an important measure of social isolation. The U.S. 

Department of Health and Human Services and local social service agencies use the 

data to assess the level of need among elderly and low-income households. These 

data also are valuable to a number of agencies in evaluating how well their policies 

meet the public’s needs. Under the Communications Act, the Federal Communications 

Commission requires data about the number of households having telephone service 

to measure the extent of universal access to telephone service.

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

8 Does this house, apartment, or mobile

home have –

a. hot and cold running water?

b. a flush toilet?

c. a bathtub or shower?

d. a sink with a faucet?

f. a refrigerator?

e. a stove or range?

g. telephone service from which you can both make

and receive calls? Include

cell phones.

Yes No
49

FARM RESIDENCE asked since 1970

The U.S. Department of Agriculture 

uses the data to allocate federal funds 

to states based, in part, on the farm 

residence population, as determined 

by the American Community Survey.

The Economic Research Service uses 

the data to produce economic and 

social service information to help 

Congress and the administration 

develop and evaluate rural policies.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

Rural Development

America’s farm population is identifi ed based on the number of acres and volume of 

sales of agricultural products. The U.S. Department of Agriculture allocates funds 

to states based on the farm population and uses this information from the American 

Community Survey to identify farms for the Census of Agriculture. 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

Less than 1 acre ➔ SKIP to question 6

1 to 9.9 acres

How many acres is this house or

mobile home on?

10 or more acres

IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS, what

were the actual sales of all agricultural

products from this property?

None

$1 to $999

$1,000 to $2,499

$2,500 to $4,999

$5,000 to $9,999

$10,000 or more

4

5
50

TENURE asked since 1890

Planning

Local planners use data on tenure to 

assess neighborhood stability. 

Banking

Data on tenure are used to distribute 

funds for mortgage insurance, for 

rental housing in urban renewal areas, 

and for national defense housing. 

Housing

Tenure is one of the integral 

components used by the U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban 

Development to establish Fair Market 

Rents for diff erent localities throughout 

the country. This information is used 

to allocate Section 8 and other federal 

housing program subsidies that assist 

American families to aff ord decent, 

safe, and sanitary housing.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

Tenure (whether a home is owned or rented) is the most basic feature of the housing 

inventory. Homeownership rates have served as an indicator of the nation’s economy 

for decades. The data are an integral component of the formula used by the U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development to establish Fair Market Rents and also 

are essential for the Federal Housing Authority’s mortgage insurance program. The 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is required to profi le the housing tenure 

of Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) households. The Bureau of 

Economic Analysis uses this information along with other census data to prepare the 

value of housing services for the National and Regional Accounts. This information is 

used to assess the costs of utilities based on the type of home ownership. Tenure also is 

used in calculating homeownership vacancy rates and rental vacancy rates that federal 

and local agencies use to evaluate the overall viability of local housing markets.

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

14

Owned by you or someone in this

household with a mortgage or

loan? Include home equity loans.

Is this house, apartment, or mobile home –

Mark (X) ONE box.

Owned by you or someone in this

household free and clear (without a

mortgage or loan)?

Rented?

Occupied without payment of

rent? ➔ SKIP to C
51

VALUE asked since 1930

The value of home and property is an important measure of neighborhood quality, 

housing aff ordability, and wealth. By asking about acreage and a business or medical 

offi ce, the data can be tabulated for units without excessive land, or commercial 

or medical activities that may distort the value of the property. The data provide 

socioeconomic information not captured by household income and comparative 

information on the state of local housing markets. The U.S. Department of Housing 

and Urban Development uses the data to develop housing assistance plans for 

elderly and low-income households. The U.S. Department of Transportation uses the 

information for the development of transportation plans, policies, and programs. The 

Bureau of Economic Analysis uses these data in preparing the value of housing services 

for the national and regional accounts. Value data are incorporated in annual reports to 

Congress on housing production, occupancy, and tenure, and in analyses of housing 

needs.

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

Less than 1 acre ➔ SKIP to question 6

1 to 9.9 acres

How many acres is this house or

mobile home on?

10 or more acres

4

,

About how much do you think this

house and lot, apartment, or mobile

home (and lot, if owned) would sell for

if it were for sale?

16

$ .00 ,

Amount – Dollars

?

Is there a business (such as a store or

barber shop) or a medical office on

this property?

Yes

No

6
52

VALUE asked since 1930

Housing

Statistics about housing value are used 

by local agencies in determining the 

adequacy of housing units for older 

people, the cost of maintaining owned 

units, and the potential usefulness of 

home equity conversion programs.

Banking

Data about home values are used by 

the U.S. Department of Housing and 

Urban Development as an independent 

check of appraised values for 

determining the amount of mortgage 

to be fi nanced.

Social Services

The data are used to allocate funds 

for home mortgage insurance for the 

elderly, and lower- and moderateincome and displaced families in 

programs under the U.S. Department 

of Housing and Urban Development.

Local social service organizations use 

the data for locating service areas and 

identifying clients wanting specifi c 

services, such as thrift and discount 

stores, to be located nearby.

Transportation

These data are used in developing 

transportation plans for local areas 

by assessing the impact on the value 

of homes aff ected by road, bridge, 

and subway construction, and related 

problems such as noise and pollution.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS
53

RENT asked since 1880

b. Does the monthly rent include any

meals?

Yes

No

a. What is the monthly rent for this

house, apartment, or mobile home?

15

$ .00

Monthly amount – Dollars

,

Data about rent are needed to review 

and assess the assistance available 

to individuals with developmental 

disabilities.

Data about rent are needed to evaluate

the eff ectiveness of the Community 

Development Block Grant Program, 

which provides grants to states and 

local governments for rehabilitation of 

privately owned properties intended 

for rent as residences.

These data are needed to evaluate 

a locality’s qualifi cation for federal 

housing assistance. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

Social Services

Rent is an essential measure of shelter costs. Rent amounts are critical for the 

establishment of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Section 

8 Fair Market Rents. Fair Market Rents are used for a wide variety of housing 

programs that assist American families to aff ord decent, safe, and sanitary housing. 

When compared with income, data about rent off er an excellent measure of housing 

aff ordability and excessive shelter costs. Various agencies, including the U.S. 

Department of Health and Human Services, use the data to allocate funds to assist 

low- and moderate-income families whose rents exceed 30 percent of their household 

income. The Bureau of Economic Analysis uses this information to prepare estimates 

of rent paid on tenant-occupied nonfarm dwellings, which are components used to 

estimate rental income of persons for the National Income and Product Accounts.

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS
54

SELECTED MONTHLY OWNER COSTS asked since 1980

$ .00

a. LAST MONTH, what was the cost

of electricity for this house,

apartment, or mobile home?

Last month’s cost – Dollars

OR

Included in rent or condominium fee

No charge or electricity not used

b. LAST MONTH, what was the cost

of gas for this house, apartment,

or mobile home?

OR

Included in rent or condominium fee

No charge or gas not used

OR

Included in rent or condominium fee

No charge

c. IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS, what was

the cost of water and sewer for this

house, apartment, or mobile home? If

you have lived here less than 12 months,

estimate the cost.

Included in electricity payment

entered above

11

$ .00

Last month’s cost – Dollars

$ .00

Past 12 months’ cost – Dollars

d. IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS, what was the

cost of oil, coal, kerosene, wood, etc.,

for this house, apartment, or mobile

home? If you have lived here less than 12

months, estimate the cost.

OR

Included in rent or condominium fee

No charge or these fuels not used

$ .00

Past 12 months’ cost – Dollars

,

,

,

,

13

OR

None

Is this house, apartment, or mobile home

part of a condominium?

Yes ➔ What is the monthly

condominium fee? For renters,

answer only if you pay the

condominium fee in addition to

your rent; otherwise, mark the

"None" box.

No

$ .00

Monthly amount – Dollars

,

–

17 What are the annual real estate taxes on

THIS property?

$ .00

Annual amount – Dollars

OR

None

,

What is the annual payment for fire,

hazard, and flood insurance on THIS

property?

$ .00

Annual amount – Dollars

OR

None

,

18
55

SELECTED MONTHLY OWNER COSTS asked since 1980

Selected monthly owner costs, such as mortgage payments and utilities, are a measure 

of the cost of homeownership. When combined with income, selected monthly owner 

costs off er an excellent measure of aff ordability and excessive shelter costs. The 

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development uses the data in many of its 

housing assistance programs. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 

uses the data to assess the need for housing assistance for elderly and low-income 

homeowners. 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

a. Do you or any member of this

household have a mortgage, deed of

trust, contract to purchase, or similar

debt on THIS property?

Yes, contract to purchase

No ➔ SKIP to question 20a

b. How much is the regular monthly

mortgage payment on THIS property?

Include payment only on FIRST mortgage

or contract to purchase.

OR

No regular payment required ➔ SKIP to

question 20a

Yes, taxes included in mortgage

payment

No, taxes paid separately or taxes

not required

c. Does the regular monthly mortgage

payment include payments for real

estate taxes on THIS property?

19

$ .00

Monthly amount – Dollars

,

d. Does the regular monthly mortgage

payment include payments for fire,

hazard, or flood insurance on THIS

property?

Yes, mortgage, deed of trust, or similar

debt

Yes, insurance included in mortgage

payment

No, insurance paid separately or no

insurance

21 What are the total annual costs for

personal property taxes, site rent,

registration fees, and license fees on

THIS mobile home and its site?

Exclude real estate taxes.

$ .00

Annual costs – Dollars

,

20

o

$ .00

Monthly amount – Dollars

,

No ➔ SKIP to D

a. Do you or any member of this

household have a second mortgage

or a home equity loan on THIS

property?

Yes, home equity loan

Yes, second mortgage

Yes, second mortgage and home

equity loan

b. How much is the regular monthly

payment on all second or junior

mortgages and all home equity loans

on THIS property?

OR

No regular payment required
56

SELECTED MONTHLY OWNER COSTS asked since 1980

Social Services

Data about selected monthly owner 

costs are used to allocate funds for 

housing for the elderly under the Older 

Americans Act and for home energy 

assistance to low-income individuals 

and families under the Low-Income 

Home Energy Assistance Program.

Energy

Data about the cost of utilities are used 

to analyze current residential energy 

supply and consumption in order to 

forecast future needs.

 Housing

The U.S. Department of Housing and 

Urban Development uses the data 

as one of the selection criteria for 

urban development grants for cities 

and counties under the Community 

Development Block Grant Program.

The data are benchmark statistics 

used to measure progress toward the 

Congressional declaration of goals for 

national housing policy: a decent home 

and suitable living environment for 

every American family.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS
ADMINISTRATIVE QUESTIONS for use in the ACS

While these questions are not required by federal law, we use the information to ensure 

response accuracy and completeness, and for contacting respondents with incomplete 

or missing information.

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

Please print the name and telephone number of the person who is

filling out this form. We may contact you if there is a question.

INCLUDE everyone who is living or staying here for more than 2 months.

INCLUDE yourself if you are living here for more than 2 months.

INCLUDE anyone else staying here who does not have another place to 

stay, even if they are here for 2 months or less.

➜

Last Name

First Name

Number of people

➜ How many people are living or staying at this address?

Fill out pages 2, 3, and 4 for everyone, including yourself, who is 

living or staying at this address for more than 2 months. Then 

complete the rest of the form.

➜

MI

●

●

●

➜

DO NOT INCLUDE anyone who is living somewhere else for more than

2 months, such as a college student living away or someone in the

Armed Forces on deployment.

●

Area Code + Number

Month

—

Please print today’s date.

Day Year

1 What is Person 1’s name?

Last Name (Please print) First Name MI

56a
57

D. NEW FOR 

THE AMERICAN 

COMMUNITY SURVEY
58

HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE asked since 2008

)

a. Insurance through a current or former employer or union (of this

person or another family member)

b. Insurance purchased directly from an insurance company (by this 

person or another family member)

c. Medicare, for people 65 and older, or people with certain disabilities

d. Medicaid, Medical Assistance, or 

any kind of government-assistance

plan for those with low incomes

or a disability

f. VA (including those who have ever used or enrolled for VA health care)

e. TRICARE or other military health care

g. Indian Health Service

Yes No

15 Is this person CURRENTLY covered by any of the

following types of health insurance or health

coverage plans? Mark "Yes" or "No" for EACH type

of coverage in items a – h.

h. Any other type of health insurance or health coverage plan – Specify

This question was added to the American Community Survey (ACS) to enable the 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and other federal agencies to more 

accurately distribute resources and better understand state and local health insurance 

needs. 

Planning and implementing many federal health programs requires accurate state and 

local information on health insurance status. Obtaining data on the uninsured rate 

among Americans is of great importance to policy makers at federal, state, and local 

levels. 

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS
59

HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE asked since 2008

Social Services

One of the nation’s important sources 

of insurance data, the Current 

Population Survey, has annual sample 

sizes that are too small for many 

states. Adding a health insurance 

question to the ACS off ers an improved 

data source to smaller states and 

communities.

State and localities will use the 

statistically reliable county-level data 

on the uninsured to more effi ciently 

target outreach and enrollment 

eff orts to those who are eligible for 

Medicaid and the State Children’s 

Health Insurance Program, but are not 

enrolled, thereby facilitating increased 

insurance coverage.

Public Health

Measuring health insurance status 

helps agencies target public health 

grant resources to locations where 

need is great. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS
60

MARITAL HISTORY asked since 2008

20 In the PAST 12 MONTHS did this person get –

a. Married?

b. Widowed?

c. Divorced?

Yes No

21 How many times has this person been married?

Once

Two times

Three or more times

22 In what year did this person last get married?

Year

Marital history data enables multiple agencies to more accurately measure the eff ects 

of federal and state policies and programs that focus on the well-being of families. 

Adding measures of marital transitions to the American Community Survey will provide 

estimates of marriage and divorce rates and duration, as well as fl ows into and out 

of marriage. This information is critical for more refi ned analyses of eligibility for 

program services and benefi ts, and of changes resulting from federal policies and 

programs. 

Marriage and divorce data will be used at the national, state, and sub-state level to 

plan for and assess state and community activities designed to infl uence marital and 

divorce behavior. Equally important are tax and entitlement forecasting functions in a 

variety of federal programs including Medicare and Medicaid.

Social Services

Data will be used for formulation and 

assessment of Temporary Assistance 

for Needy Families (TANF) policies and 

programs at both the federal and state 

level. 

Data will be used to plan for and 

assess the success of grantees funded 

under the new Healthy Marriage grant 

program. 

Rates of marriage and divorce data are 

used to track and forecast changes in 

areas with large numbers of singleparent families, and thus identify 

needs for childcare, child support, and 

other social services.

Government

Marital history will permit analyses 

and projections of tax policies that can 

create or mitigate “marriage penalties” 

—increased taxes for a married couple 

compared with what the same couple 

would pay if fi ling as unmarried 

individuals. 

Local governments use data about 

marital history in assessing needs for 

housing and other community 

development services under the 

Community Development Block Grant 

Evaluation. 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS
61

VA SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITY RATING asked since 2008

)

or

27 a. Does this person have a VA service-connected

disability rating?

Yes (such as 0%, 10%, 20%, ... , 100%)

No ➔ SKIP to question 28a

b. What is this person’s service-connected

disability rating?

0 percent

10 or 20 percent

30 or 40 percent

50 or 60 percent

70 percent or higher

Veterans Aff airs (VA) service-connected disability rating was added to the American 

Community Survey (ACS) to enable the U.S. Department of Veterans Aff airs to measure 

a veteran’s service-connected disability compensation entitlement status. This 

information will improve the VA’s ability to accurately anticipate the need for VA care 

and its associated cost. 

VA is required to provide an annual report to Congress that determines whether 

VA health care appropriations for the coming fi scal year are suffi cient to cover 

expenditures associated with the expected demand for VA health care services. 

Adding the proposed service-connected disability status measure to the ACS will 

enable VA to make county-level estimates of veterans classifi ed by income, serviceconnected status, and several other characteristics that are needed to classify 

enrollment priorities.

This information will fundamentally improve VA’s capability to describe the total 

veteran population in terms of age, priority, and market area and to more accurately 

estimate the demand for VA care.

MEETING FEDERAL NEEDS

VA medical centers and their 

associated outpatient clinics would 

use these data to measure key 

determinants of the demand for VA 

care.

Data on service-connected disability 

ratings would allow VA medical centers 

(and their regional networks) to engage 

in meaningful local area planning that 

accounts for expectations of the future 

demand for VA care.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

Health
NOTES

61a
62

E. QUESTION IN THE 

2000 CENSUS 

BUT NOT PLANNED 

FOR THE AMERICAN 

COMMUNITY SURVEY
63

NOTES

63
64

YEARS OF MILITARY SERVICE deleted for 2008 ACS

In Census 2000, information describing veterans with fewer than 2 years of service 

was to be used in conjunction with information about period of service after 

September 1980 to ascertain the number of veterans not eligible for many VA benefi ts, 

health care, and other services. However, the law provides for many exceptions to 

this 2-year rule. Many activated Reserve and National Guard service members, for 

example, will be entitled to benefi ts even if they serve tours of less than 2 years. The 

importance of Reserve and Guard forces as part of the total active duty military force 

has grown in recent years, particularly with respect to confl icts in Afghanistan and 

Iraq. As a result, exceptions to the “2-year active duty” requirement have also grown. 

The VA Offi ce of the Actuary’s veteran population projection model no longer uses data 

from the length of service question. Rather, the focus of this model is on counting 

veterans, not measuring eligibility.

22 In total, how many years of active-duty

military service has this person had?

Less than 2 years

2 years or more
65

NOTES