American Community Survey (ACS)

Design and Methodology Report

The updated ACS Design and Methodology Report includes information on changes to the ACS program through 2013, including the new internet response mode.

Sample Size and Data Quality

ACS samples about 3.54 million addresses each year. Discover how well that sample covers the population, and how we measure the reliability of ACS estimates.

Questionnaire Archive

Browse sample American Community Survey questionnaires in English and Spanish with instruction guides - 1996 through present.

Mandatory vs. Voluntary Methods

If the ACS was not mandatory research shows reduced response rates, increased sample, more follow-up, and additional cost of more than $90 million annually.

Content Test

The Census Bureau periodically conducts a Content Test to evaluate alternative content, questions and response categories for the American Community Survey.