Brochure

Frequently Asked
Questions

www.census.gov/acs/www
1-800-354-7271

AMERICAN
COMMUNITY
SURVEY

AMERICAN
COMMUNITY
SURVEY

Si necesita ayuda para completar su
cuestionario, llame sin cargo alguno al:
1-877-833-5625

U.S. Department of Commerce
Economics and Statistics Administration
U.S. CENSUS BUREAU

ACS–10(X)(2007)
(9–06)

USCENSUSBUREAU
Helping You Make Informed Decisions

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the American Community Survey?

These data also are used to decide where to locate new

information from other households to help us assess

Every 10 years, the U.S. Census Bureau conducts a

highways, schools, hospitals, and community centers; to

how questions on the American Community Survey are

census. During Census 2000, the population of the

show a large corporation that a town has the workforce

understood and answered. The Census Bureau will use

United States was counted, and additional information

the company needs; and in many other ways.

this information to improve the American Community

was collected to describe the characteristics of the

By responding to our questionnaire, you will help the

Survey, ultimately resulting in even better data for your

nation’s population and housing.

Census Bureau further improve the data collected on

community and the nation.

The next census in 2010 will count the population, while

the American Community Survey. Every improvement

the American Community Survey collects the information

provides data that better reflect the nation, states,

about population and housing characteristics throughout

cities, counties, and your community.

Will the Census Bureau keep my
information confidential?
Yes. All of the information the Census Bureau collects

the decade. Based on the American Community Survey,
the Census Bureau can provide data about our rapidly

Do I have to answer the questions?

for this survey about you and your household is

changing country more often than every 10 years.

Yes. Your response to this survey is required by law

confidential by law (Title 13, United States Code, Section

(Title 13, United States Code, Sections 141 and 193).

9). By law, every Census Bureau employee—including

How do I benefit by participating?

Title 13, as changed by Title 18, imposes a penalty for

the Director as well as every field representative—has

The American Community Survey provides up-to-date

not responding. The survey is approved by the Office of

taken an oath and is subject to a jail term, a fine, or

information for the nation, states, cities, counties,

Management and Budget. We estimate this survey will

both if he or she discloses ANY information that could

metropolitan areas, and communities. By responding to

take about 40 minutes to complete.

identify you or your household.

problems and solutions, and measure the performance

How will the Census Bureau use the
information that I provide?

Where can I find more information about
the American Community Survey?

of programs.

The Census Bureau can use the information you provide

You may visit our Web site

Communities need data about the well-being of children,

for statistical purposes only and cannot publish or release

or call 1–800–354–7271 if you need assistance or more

families, and the elderly to provide services to them.

information that would identify you and your household.

information.

the American Community Survey questionnaire, you are
helping your community to establish goals, identify

Your information will be used in combination with