American Community Survey Estimates 5 – Year (2005-09) and Census 2010 data to be released in December 2010.
As many of you are aware, the US Census Bureau will be releasing American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year data on December 14th. This is the first time ACS data, characteristic information, has been made available for every county, city, town, and place, as well as for census tracts and block groups since the Census 2000 data was released in 2001. The ACS has taken the place of the Decennial Census Long Form that asked the detailed social, economic, housing and demographic questions.
Also, the first Census 2010 state counts will be released December 21st to the President for reapportionment purposes. It could be confusing that the two Census products are being released in the same month but it is fairly easy to learn how they are different and when to use each source.
The 2010 Census shows the number of people who live in the U.S. and the American Community Survey shows how people live. Use data from the American Community Survey to obtain demographic, social, economic, and housing characteristics. Use numbers from the 2010 Census to obtain counts of the population and their basic characteristics (sex, age, race, Hispanic origin, and homeowner status). For more information on Census 2010 please visit Census 2010 Main
ACS 5-year Data 2005-09
What does this mean for you, the data user? When is it appropriate and beneficial for you to use this data? We’ve compiled the following list of FAQs to help you understand the 5-year data. If you have additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our office: 303-866-3120 or barbara.mason@state.co.us or Elizabeth Garner at 303-866-3096 or Elizabeth.garner@state.co.us.
Q: Where do I find the ACS 5-year (2005-09) estimates?
A: The Census Bureau American Fact Finder site is the best place to start. American Fact Finder. From here, in the center area under “Getting Detailed Data”, select detailed data under the American Community Survey title, then select the ACS 5-year (2005-09). A series of drop downs will help you to select your geography and variable. You can also go to the American Community Survey website for more information and user guides.
Q: How accurate is the data?
A: The ACS is a survey, not a 100% enumeration (such as the 2010 Census, for example). Because only a percentage of the US population is actually surveyed, each data result has an associated Margin of Error (MOE). We encourage data users to consider the MOE and to take it into account when analyzing the 5-year data, as we do with all ACS products.
Q: How recent is the data?
A: The 5-year data being released in December 2010 was collected from 2005 through the end of 2009. This means that, of all the ACS data products, the 5-year data is the least current. As stated above, though, it’s the only ACS data available for the small geographies and populations.
Q: Can I use the ACS data to write a paper/report/article about recent economic, labor market and housing market changes?
A: No you cannot. Because the survey was conducted over such a long period of time, this data is not appropriate for analysis of recent trends, or for time-series analysis. We recommend the 1-year data for purposes of time-series analysis, and the most recent data.
Q: What is the data good for, then?
A: The 5-year data is a powerful and very useful tool for analysis of small areas- counties, towns and neighborhoods that previously only had access to new data every 10 years. It also allows us “wall-to-wall” data coverage across the state.
Q: How often will 5-year data be released?
A: All ACS products are released annually, on a rolling basis. For the 5-year data this means that in 2010 the 2005-2009 data will be released. In 2011, the 2006-2010 data will be released.
Q: What are other good resources for understanding the capabilities and limitations of the ACS 5-year data?
A: Start with the main American Community Survey web page and then click on the tab for “Guidance For Data Users”. From this page there are several resources including an e-tutorial about the ACS and how to download and use the data. There are also “Handbooks for Data Users” depending on your area of interest. You can also contact our office for more information: DLG.HelpDesk@state.co.us or Elizabeth Garner 303-866-3096 or Barb Mason 303-866-3120.
