The American Community Survey

www.census.gov/acs/www

Frequently Asked
Questions

1-800-354-7271

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-10SM(2005)
(8-04)

USCENSUSBUREAU
Helping You Make Informed Decisions

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the American Community Survey?

the American Community Survey questionnaire, you are

your community. Similar data will be produced for

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

helping your community to establish goals, identify

communities across the United States.

census. During Census 2000, the population of the

problems and solutions, and measure the performance of

We may combine your answers with information that

United States was counted, and additional information

programs.

you gave to other agencies to enhance the statistical

was collected to describe the characteristics of the

Communities need data about the well-being of children,

uses of these data. This information will be given the

Nation's population and housing.

families, and the elderly to provide services to them. The

same protections as your survey information. Based on

The next census in 2010 will count the population,

data also are used to decide where to locate new

the information that you provide, you may be asked to

while the American Community Survey collects the

highways, schools, hospitals, and community centers; to

participate in other Census Bureau surveys that are

information about population and housing

show a large corporation that a town has the workforce

voluntary.

characteristics throughout the decade. Based on the

the company needs, and in many other ways.

American Community Survey, the Census Bureau can
provide data about our rapidly changing country more
often than every 10 years.

Do I have to answer the questions on the
American Community Survey?

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

Yes, your response to this survey is required by law

for this survey about you and your household is

Why don't you use the information I
provided on my Census 2000 questionnaire?

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

confidential by law (Title 13, United States Code,

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

Section 9). By law, every Census Bureau

We need your response even if you completed a

not responding. The survey is approved by the Office of

employee–including the Director as well as every field

Census 2000 questionnaire, because the characteristics

Management and Budget. We estimate this survey will

representative–has taken an oath and is subject to a jail

of your household may have changed since Census

take about 38 minutes to complete.

term, a fine, or both if he or she discloses ANY
information that could identify you or your household.

2000. As we move further away from 2000, information
provided in Census 2000 becomes outdated.

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

How do I benefit by answering the
American Community Survey?

The Census Bureau can use the information you provide
for statistical purposes only and cannot publish or release

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

The American Community Survey provides up-to-date

information that would identify you and your household.

You may visit our Web site www.census.gov/acs/www,

information for the Nation, states, cities, counties,

Your information will be used in combination with

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

metropolitan areas, and communities. By responding to

information from other households to produce data for

information.