The United States Census is conducted every 10 years, and is mandated by the Constitution of the United States (if you're truly interested, you can review Titles 13 and 26 of the US Code for more information or see links available at the Census Bureau ).  This census of the population - literally, a count of every person living in this country - is used to allocate Congressional seats, electoral votes, and federal funding of programs.  

It is important to remember that information collected in the census can result in redistricting.  This can directly impact (among many other things) elections, federal and state expenditure, school district boundaries, and infrastructure.

Participation in the census is mandatory for all persons living in the United States.

The American Community Survey (ACS) is an ongoing, nationwide survey, administered by the United States Census Bureau.  This survey - which provides data in 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year increments - provides federal agencies, non-profit organizations, and local governments with the demographic, economic and social data they need to best serve their communities. 

The data found in the ACS is estimated, based on the decennial census, as well as information collected in annual surveys.  While the ACS data is based on the decennial census, you will find that it is fundamentally different from any other type of census information.  The primary function of the decennial census is to provide a count of every person living in this country, while the primary function of the ACS is to record changes in the social and economic characteristics of the nation’s populations.

ACS data may be viewed online - for free - on the US Census Bureau website*.

Access the American Community Survey now.  Click HERE.

*Be sure to read the introduction found on the Guidance for Data Users main page.