American Community Survey (ACS)
Back to all collections
1 New ICR
Summary
The American Community Survey (ACS) is an ongoing nationwide survey conducted by the Census Bureau that collects vital information about the social, economic, housing, and demographic characteristics of our nation’s population. Replacing the long form of the decennial census, the ACS is distributed to approximately 3.5 million addresses annually, providing detailed data throughout the year. Since 2005, it has generated estimates for areas with populations of 65,000 or more and, through 5-year accumulations, for smaller geographic areas such as census tracts and block groups. This data plays a crucial role in informing policy decisions and guiding the distribution of trillions of dollars in federal funds each year.
| https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs | |
| Agency | DOC, CENSUS |
|---|---|
| Data Checkup | |
Historical Data Availability
No Known Issue
Future Data Availability
High Risk
Government shutdown suspended field operations temporarily for 2025 and delayed the release of data for 2024. The 2024 1-Year Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) Files and 1-Year Supplemental Estimates were scheduled to be released on October 16, 2025, but have yet to be released or rescheduled.
Data Quality
No Known Issue
Statutory Context
No Known Issue
Staffing and Funding
Moderate Risk
Census Bureau lost more than 1,500 staff before the shutdown.
Policy
No Known Issue
Last updated: 2025-12-16
| Primary URL | https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs |
|---|
Details
| OMB Control Number | 0607-0810 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Authorizing Statutes | 13 USC 141, 193, 221, 223 | |||
| Related ICRs |
| Reference Number | Title | Agency | Status | Request Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 202605-0607-002 | New The American Community Survey and the Puerto Rico Community Survey | DOC/CENSUS | Active | Revision of a currently approved collection |
| 202505-0607-003 | The American Community Survey and the Puerto Rico Community Survey | DOC/CENSUS | Active | Extension without change of a currently approved collection |
| 202411-0607-001 | The American Community Survey and the Puerto Rico Community Survey | DOC/CENSUS | Historical Active | Revision of a currently approved collection |