American Community Survey (ACS)
Definition
The American Community Survey is an ongoing annual survey conducted by the US Census Bureau that collects detailed demographic, social, economic, and housing information from approximately 3.5 million households each year.
Why It Matters
The ACS is the primary source of detailed demographic data between decennial censuses. It determines how billions in federal funding are distributed and provides the data underlying most "by state" and "by city" demographic rankings.
How It's Measured
The Census Bureau mails questionnaires to randomly selected addresses. The 5-Year estimates combine 60 months of data for maximum reliability, especially for small geographies like cities and counties.
Current Value
Latest 5-Year estimates available
Related Ranking
View ranking →Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
The American Community Survey is an ongoing annual survey conducted by the US Census Bureau that collects detailed demographic, social, economic, and housing information from approximately 3.5 million households each year.
The ACS is the primary source of detailed demographic data between decennial censuses. It determines how billions in federal funding are distributed and provides the data underlying most "by state" and "by city" demographic rankings.
The Census Bureau mails questionnaires to randomly selected addresses. The 5-Year estimates combine 60 months of data for maximum reliability, especially for small geographies like cities and counties.
this entity is one of the U.S. population demographics concepts that recurs across this site. The definition above is the technical answer; the paragraphs below add the practical context for how the concept connects to the the U.S. Census Bureau ACS and decennial files data behind every per-entity page on the site.
In the the U.S. Census Bureau ACS and decennial files data, this concept shapes one or more of the fields that drive the per-entity grades and rankings on this site. The methodology page describes which fields feed into which output; this glossary entry documents the underlying term.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.