Open Census MCP Server

United States Census Bureau | An official website of the United States Government Understanding and Using American Community Survey Data: What State and Local Government Users Need to Know August 2020 A primary mission of state and local governments is to deliver efficient and effective services and enact policies that advance public safety and economic growth. For more than a decade, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) has provided data to help governments meet the needs of their constituents. The ACS provides a dynamic picture of the population and housing attributes of states, counties, and municipalities, large and small. This guide provides a brief overview of how state and local governments are using ACS data to develop general plans, to help implement and evaluate local initiatives, to attract and retain businesses, and for other applications. It also describes some important considerations when working with ACS data—especially estimates for small geographic areas. Download by Section [/cont ent/da m/Cen sus/lib rary/p ublicat ions/2 020/a cs/acs _state _local_ handb ook_2 020.p df] Understa nd and Using America n Commun ity Survey Data: What State and Local Governm ent Users Need to Know [6.4 MB] American Communit y Survey 1. How State and Local Governments Use ACS Data [<1.0 MB] [/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2020/acs/acs_state_local_handbook_202 0_ch01.pdf] American Community Survey 2. Considerations When Working With ACS Data [<1.0 MB] American Community Survey [/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2020/acs/acs_state_local_handbook_2020_ ch02.pdf] 3. Case Studies Using ACS Data [3.8 MB] [/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2020/acs/acs_state_local_handbook_2020_ch03.pdf] American Community Survey 4. Additional Resources [<1.0 MB][/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2020/acs/acs_state_local_handbook_2020_ch04.pdf] American Community Survey Others in Series Publication What Researchers Need to Know April 2020 This handbook helps researchers learn more about estimates for geographic areas, how to access data products, sampling error, and more. [/programs-surveys/acs/library/handbooks/researchers.html] Publication Geography and the American Community Survey February 2020 This guide provides an overview of geographic areas for which ACS data are available, special considerations in working with spatial data, and more. [/programs-surveys/acs/library/handbooks/geography.html] Publication What ACS Public Use Microdata Sample File Users Need to Know February 2021 This guide helps data users learn how to access PUMS files, create PUMS tables, and measure accuracy and margins of error. [/programs-surveys/acs/guidance/handbooks/pums.html] VIEW ALL [/PROGRAMS-SURVEYS/ACS/LIBRARY/HANDBOOKS.HTML] Related Information American Community Survey Resources for State and Local Governments [/programs-surveys/acs/information-for/state- local.html] Page Last Revised - May 1, 2025