Open Census MCP Server

United States Census Bureau | An official website of the United States Government Understanding and Using American Community Survey Data: What the Business Community Needs to Know October 2020 Suppose a restaurant owner wants to determine the best location to start a new franchise. Managers at an engineering firm want to expand their business but need more information about the local workforce. A clothing retailer needs information about potential customers before opening a new store, distribution center, or warehouse. Where can businesses find the data they need to make informed decisions? The U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) provides corporations, small businesses, and individuals the detailed social, economic, housing, and demographic data they need to gauge the sales potential of products and services, better understand the workforce, and set strategies for growth. This guide provides a brief overview of how businesses are using ACS data to stay competitive, run efficiently, and meet customers’ needs. Download by Section [/cont ent/da m/Cen sus/lib rary/p ublicat ions/2 020/a cs/AC S_Busi ness_h andbo ok_20 20.pdf ] Underst anding and Using America n Commu nity Survey Data: What the Busines s Commu nity Needs to Know [6.7 MB] American Communi ty Survey 1. How Businesses Use ACS Data [<1.0 MB] [/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2020/acs/ACS_Business_handbook_2020_ch01.pdf] American Community Survey 2. ACS Data Products for Business Uses [<1.0 MB] American Community Survey [/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2020/acs/ACS_Business_handbook_2020_ch02. pdf] 3. Case Studies Using ACS Data [1.7 MB] [/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2020/acs/ACS_Business_handbook_2020_ch03.pdf] American Community Survey 4. Additional Resources [<1.0 MB] [/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2020/acs/ACS_Business_handbook_2020_ch04.pdf] American Community Survey Others in Series Publication What Congress Needs to Know June 2020 This handbook helps congressional staff use ACS data to respond to constituent inquiries, draft floor/press statements, conduct legislative research, and more. [/programs-surveys/acs/guidance/handbooks/congress.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] Publication What ACS Summary File Data Users Need to Know October 2023 This guide provides an overview of the ACS Summary File and how it can be used to access data on America’s communities. [/programs-surveys/acs/library/handbooks/summary-file.html] VIEW ALL [/PROGRAMS-SURVEYS/ACS/LIBRARY/HANDBOOKS.HTML] Related Information American Community Survey Resources for Businesses [/programs-surveys/acs/information-for/businesses.html] Page Last Revised - May 1, 2025