The American Community Survey
Language: eng
Subjects: Government questionnaires; Household surveys; Census, 2010
Other titles: ACS
Description: America is changing, and so is the census. In January 2005, a rolling sample of housing unit addresses nationwide began receiving questionnaires from the new American Community Survey each month. The survey collects demographic, socio-economic and housing data--the same type of information that has been collected every 10 years from the long-form questionnaire of the census, which the American Community Survey will replace. By 2010--sooner for more populous areas--American communities will no longer need to wait 10 years for an up-to-date statistical "snapshot." Instead, the American Community Survey will provide an annual moving picture of community characteristics. Elected officials, community leaders and businesses will have access to current data to address a wide range of current social and economic issues--a more efficient use of taxpayer dollars. The American Community Survey is a nationwide survey designed to give communities current, and accurate information every year about their demographic, socio-economic and housing characteristics. The American Community Survey is scheduled to replace the long form in the decennial (once every 10 years) census, beginning in 2010. From that time on, censuses will consist of a short form only. This is expected to result in operational efficiencies and anticipated higher response rates. The American Community Survey has been tested since 1996 to ensure that it will yield the same high quality data as the census long form. There are more than 60 questions on the American Community Survey, and they are comparable to those on the Census 2000 long form. Questions are mandated by federal law, federal regulations and court decisions. For background information on each question, go to: http://www.census.gov/acs/www/SBasics/SQuest/fact.htm.
Notes: Viewed on (Dec. 8, 2005).