The American Community Survey

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www.census.gov/acs/www
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
(6-09)

Frequently Asked
Questions

USCENSUSBUREAU

Helping You Make Informed Decisions

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nation, states, cities, counties, metropolitan areas, and

about population and housing characteristics for the

The American Community Survey collects information

changed by Title 18, imposes a penalty for not

(Title 13, U.S. Code, Sections 141 and 193). Title 13, as

Yes. Your response to this survey is required by law

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

law, every Census Bureau employee—including the

confidential by law (Title 13, U.S. Code, Section 9). By

for this survey about you and your household is

Yes. All of the information the Census Bureau collects

Will the Census Bureau keep my
information confidential?

Frequently Asked Questions

communities on a continuous basis. Based on the

responding. We estimate this survey will take about 38

Director as well as every field representative—has taken

What is the American Community Survey?

American Community Survey, the Census Bureau can

minutes to complete.

an oath and is subject to a jail term, a fine, or both if he

or she discloses ANY information that could identify you

information from other households to produce data for

Your information will be used in combination with

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

You may visit our Web site

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

or your household.

your community. Similar data will be produced for

information.

the information that you provide, you may be asked to

same protections as your survey information. Based on

uses of these data. This information will be given the

you gave to other agencies to enhance the statistical

We may combine your answers with information that

information that would identify you and your household.

communities across the United States.

for statistical purposes only and cannot publish or release

The Census Bureau can use the information you provide

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

provide up-to-date data about our rapidly changing
country more often than once every 10 years when the
census is conducted.

How do I benefit by answering the
American Community Survey?
Communities need data about the well-being of children,
families, and the older population to provide services to
them. By responding to the American Community Survey
questionnaire, you are helping your community to
establish goals, identify problems and solutions, and
measure the performance of programs.

The data also are used to decide where to locate new
highways, schools, hospitals, and community centers; to
show a large corporation that a town has the workforce
the company needs; and in many other ways.

participate in other Census Bureau surveys that are
voluntary.