Open Census MCP Server

United States Census Bureau | An official website of the United States Government Understanding and Using American Community Survey Data: What Congress Needs to Know June 2020 Congress needs accurate, up-to-date information to make good decisions —from allocating federal program funds to developing program eligibility requirements, monitoring compliance with federal laws, and evaluating community needs. Congressional staff also need timely data to support communication efforts, respond to constituent inquiries, draft legislation, analyze legislative proposals, and conduct legislative research. The U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) provides members of Congress the data they need for decision-making. This guide provides a brief overview of how members of Congress use ACS data for important legislative purposes. Download by Section [/conte nt/dam /Censu s/librar y/publi cations /2020/ acs/ac s_cong ress_h andboo k_2020 .pdf] Underst anding and Using America n Commu nity Survey Data: What Congres s Needs to Know [7.8 MB] 1. How Congress Uses ACS Data [<1.0 MB] [/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2020/acs/acs_congress_handbook_2020_ch01.pdf] American Community Survey 2. ACS Data Products for Congressional Uses [<1.0 MB] [/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2020/acs/acs_congress_handbook_2020_ch 02.pdf] American Community Survey 3. Case Studies Using ACS Data [4.7 MB] [/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2020/acs/acs_congress_handbook_2020_ch03.pdf] American Community Survey 4. Additional Resources [<1.0 MB] [/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2020/acs/acs_congress_handbook_2020_ch04.pdf] American Community Survey Others in Series 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] Publication What Users of Data for Amer. Indians and Alaska Natives Need to Know March 2021 This handbook helps users of data for AIAN learn how to access and use ACS data and provide concrete examples of how ACS data can answer real-world questions. [/programs-surveys/acs/guidance/handbooks/aian.html] VIEW ALL [/PROGRAMS-SURVEYS/ACS/LIBRARY/HANDBOOKS.HTML] Related Information American Community Survey Resources for Congress [/programs-surveys/acs/information-for/congress.html] DATA TOOL My Congressional District [/fastfacts] Page Last Revised - May 1, 2025