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Researching Your School Community: American Community Survey (ACS)

This guide explains how to find census data, periodical articles, and other resources related to school/community research.

American Community Survey Demographic Characteristics

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  • Age and Sex
  • Group Quarters Population
  • Hispanic/Latino Origin
  • Race
  • Relationship
  • Total Population

American Community Survey Housing Characteristics

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  • Tenure
  • Occupancy and Structure
  • Housing Value
  • Taxes and Insurance
  • Utilities
  • Mortgage/Monthly Rent

American Community Survey Social Characteristics

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  • Educational Attainment
  • Marital Status/History
  • Fertility
  • Grandparent/Caregivers
  • Veterans
  • Disability Status
  • Place of Birth
  • Citizenship Status
  • Year of Entry
  • Language Spoken at Home
  • Ancestry/Tribal Affiliation
  • School Enrollment
  • Field of Degree

Fast Facts About American Community Survey

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  • Collects/produces population and housing information every year
  • ~3.5 million housing unit addresses are selected annually
  • Collects more information than decennial census, such as: income, commute time to work, home value, veteran status, and other important data
  • Single-Year Estimates
    • ​The ACS produces 1-year estimates annually for geographic areas with a population of 65,000 or more
  • Multiyear Estimates
    • In 2010, the Census Bureau released the first 5-year estimates for small areas. Additional 5-year estimates have been released annually.

American Community Survey Economic Characteristics

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  • Income and Earnings
  • Class of Worker
  • Employment Status
  • Occupation
  • Industry
  • Commuting to Work
  • Place of Work
  • Health Insurance
  • Food Stamps/SNAP