The American Community Survey

Attachment W

American Community Survey (ACS): Questions on the Form and Why We Ask

Units in Structure, Rooms, and Bedrooms

Source: ACS-1(2013)KFI

Why We Ask:
We ask questions about the units in a structure, rooms, and bedrooms to create statistics that can be
used to analyze the availability of housing, determine changes in the size and structure of homes,
evaluate overcrowding, and plan emergency services.
History:
The first questions about type of structure and number of rooms and bedrooms were asked in the
Census of 1940. Questions about type of structure and number of rooms and bedrooms were
included when the ACS was implemented nationwide in 2005.
Federal Uses:
Estimates about the changing size and structure of homes, when combined with other estimates such
as tenure (whether a home is owned or rented), income, and year the structure was built, provide
useful housing information to many federal agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the U.S. Department
of Energy. These agencies use this information to assess the local multifamily housing market,
participation in assistance programs, and the extent of overcrowding in homes.
State and County Uses:
As with rent, state and local governments use statistics about type of structure, rooms, and number of
rooms and bedrooms as part of their comprehensive housing affordability strategies for determining
the needs of families residing in the jurisdiction. This information is also used to identify home
structures in disaster-prone areas during emergency planning and preparation.
Private Sector Uses:
Private groups use this information to analyze housing trends for local areas. Community
organizations use structure estimates, in conjunction with other ACS estimates, to identify future
needs and create plans to request federal funding or spur economic growth.
All questions on the ACS are required to manage and evaluate a wide range of federal, tribal, state, and local programs, but may also be useful
for research, education, journalism, advocacy, business, and many other uses. This series explains the current uses of each question.

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American Community Survey (ACS): Questions on the Form and Why We Ask

Year Built and Year Moved In

Source: ACS-1(2013)KFI

Why We Ask:
We ask about when a building was built and the year the householder moved into the unit to
understand housing availability and measure neighborhood stability. These statistics are especially
valuable for recent movers.
History:
Questions regarding the age of a home have been asked since the Census of 1940. Questions
regarding the year an individual moved into a residence have been asked since the Census of 1980.
These questions were included when the ACS was implemented nationwide in 2005.
Federal Uses:
These statistics are used to analyze the availability of affordable housing in a community and allocate
assistance accordingly. Government agencies use this information to calculate turnover among
specified population groups such as elderly and minority households. These estimates are also used
to design the U.S. Department of Energy's legislatively mandated Residential Energy Consumption
Survey.
State and County Uses:
State and local areas use these statistics to project the need for services such as police and fire
protection. Local agencies use this information to evaluate changes in service requirements in a given
area because of migration to or from the area. Local emergency management agencies use these
estimates to assess the amount of displacement caused by hurricanes and other natural disasters.
These estimates also are used to allocate funds to local governments under the Community
Development Block Grant Program and Public Housing Modernization formulas.
Private Sector Uses:
The Federal Reserve Board uses this information to implement the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act
that requires lending institutions to disclose details of lending practices as a safeguard against unfair
housing practices in certain communities.
All questions on the ACS are required to manage and evaluate a wide range of federal, tribal, state, and local programs, but may also be useful for research,
education, journalism, advocacy, business, and many other uses. This series explains the current uses of each question.

Attachment W

American Community Survey (ACS): Questions on the Form and Why We Ask

Acreage, Agricultural Sales, and Business on Property

Source: ACS-1(2013)KFI

Why We Ask:
We ask questions about acreage, agricultural sales, and businesses on a property to measure
neighborhood quality, housing affordability, and wealth.
History:
The first questions about acreage, agricultural sales, and business on property were asked in the
Census of1970. These questions were included when the ACS was implemented nationwide in
2005.
Federal Uses:
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development uses these statistics to assess the needs of
families residing in the jurisdiction and to check appraised values for mortgages. The U.S. Department
of Transportation incorporates acreage, agricultural sales, and business on the property statistics into
the development of transportation plans, policies, and programs.
State and County Uses:
Value information, which is derived from acreage, agricultural sales, and business on property
statistics, is incorporated into annual reports to Congress on housing production, occupancy, tenure
and analyses of housing needs. Local officials also use these estimates to assess the impact on the
value of homes affected by road, bridge, and subway construction.
Private Sector Uses:
Local service groups use these estimates to locate service areas. Financial institutions factor acreage
and business on property information into their decision-making on mortgage lending.

All questions on the ACS are required to manage and evaluate a wide range of federal, tribal, state, and local programs, but may also be useful for research,
education, journalism, advocacy, business, and many other uses. This series explains the current uses of each question.

Attachment W

American Community Survey (ACS): Questions on the Form and Why We Ask

Kitchen and Plumbing Facilities

Source: ACS-1(2013)KFI

Why We Ask:
We ask questions about kitchen and plumbing facilities because federal and local governments need
this information to allocate funding for housing subsidies and other programs that help American
families afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing.
History:

Questions regarding kitchen and plumbing facilities have been asked since the Census of 1940. This
question was included when the ACS was implemented nationwide in 2005.
Federal Uses:

This information contains integral components used by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development in analyzing the availability of affordable housing in a community, and assisting
accordingly. Federal agencies use these statistics to identify areas eligible for housing assistance and
rehabilitation loans, and as an indicator of housing quality. Public health officials use this information
to locate areas in danger of ground water contamination and waterborne diseases.
State and County Uses:

State and local agencies use these statistics to identify poor quality housing by measuring the lack of
plumbing facilities. This information is also critical to assess the quality of the housing stock.
Private Sector Uses:

Advocacy groups use this information to find ways to make rural drinking water safe, affordable, and
available for all. These estimates also are used to educate the public regarding the plumbing, heating
and cooling industries, and to lobby for better laws and regulations that will protect individuals who are
in need.
All questions on the ACS are required to manage and evaluate a wide range of federal, tribal, state, and local programs, but may also be useful for research,
education, journalism, advocacy, business, and many other uses. This series explains the current uses of each question.

Attachment W

American Community Survey (ACS): Questions on the Form and Why We Ask

Computer and Internet Use

Source: ACS-1(2013)KFI

Why We Ask:
We ask this question to measure access to computers and the Internet throughout the country.
History:

This question was mandated by the 2008 Broadband Data Improvement Act; it was first included on
the ACS in 2013.
Federal Uses:

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will use these statistics to measure the nationwide
development of broadband access, as well as the successful deployment of the next generation of
broadband technology. These statistics will also allow the FCC to develop measures to increase
access to broadband technology and decrease barriers. The National Telecommunications and
Information Administration (NTIA) will use these statistics to provide grants that help expand public
access to broadband service and fund broadband education and support, particularly to groups that
have traditionally underutilized broadband technology.
State and County Uses:

State and local governments may use these statistics to evaluate access to broadband in their
communities, and institute policies and programs that increase access to areas with less connectivity.
Private Sector Uses:

Businesses and non-profits can use these statistics to analyze computer and Internet usage in their
communities. Knowing how many people have access to computers and the Internet helps these
groups communicate more effectively with their customers and plan outreach or ecommerce.
All questions on the ACS are required to manage and evaluate a wide range of federal, tribal, state, and local programs, but may also be useful for research,
education, journalism, advocacy, business and many other uses. This series explains the current uses of each question.

Attachment W

American Community Survey (ACS): Questions on the Form and Why We Ask

Vehicles

Source: ACS-1(2013)KFI

Why We Ask:
We ask this question about vehicles, in conjunction with the place of work and journey to work
questions, to provide information about commuting and road congestion.
History:

Questions regarding vehicles have been asked since the Census of 1960. Questions about vehicles
were included when the ACS was implemented nationwide in 2005.
Federal Uses:

The U.S. Department of Transportation uses statistics about vehicles available to develop policies and
to plan a number of transportation programs. The U.S. Department of Energy uses this information to
estimate and forecast energy consumption of motor vehicles and for planning and establishing
program activities as part of the Alternative Fueled Vehicles Program.
State and County Uses:

State and local agencies use this information to determine the need for special transportation services
for the elderly and disabled. Social service agencies use these statistics to plan for emergency
transportation services in areas with high concentrations of households without vehicles, such as
isolated rural communities. These statistics are also used to help form the database used by state
departments of transportation and the more than 350 metropolitan planning organizations responsible
for comprehensive transportation planning activities. Programs include transportation safety, longrange transportation investments, emergency response, and evacuation planning.
Private Sector Uses:

Transportation planning groups use information about vehicles available to estimate total vehicle
travel and forecast future travel and its effect on transportation systems.

All questions on the ACS are required to manage and evaluate a wide range of federal, tribal, state, and local programs, but may also be useful for research,
education, journalism, advocacy, business, and many other uses. This series explains the current uses of each question.

Attachment W

American Community Survey (ACS): Questions on the Form and Why We Ask

Home Heating Fuel

Source: ACS-1(2013)KFI

Why We Ask:
We ask questions about home heating fuel to understand local housing stock, community air quality,
and energy needs. These statistics are used to analyze the fuels available to community residents, to
forecast the need for additional power facilities and to address the adequacy of energy sources.
History:

The first question about home heating fuel was asked in the Census of 1940. A heating fuel question
was included when the ACS was implemented nationwide in 2005.
Federal Uses:

The U.S. Department of Energy uses these estimates to provide information on energy supply and
consumption, and to design the Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS), a legislatively
mandated survey required to provide information on residential and commercial energy use. The
Environmental Protection Agency uses this information to assess the adequacy of energy resources
to meet present and future needs of the general public. These statistics are also needed to determine
the types of fuel used by low-income persons and families receiving assistance under the Low-Income
Home Energy Assistance Program.
State and County Uses:

States and counties seek to create policies and programs to encourage appropriate development for
the community. These governments use these statistics to identify areas that may be at risk for
unhealthy air quality as a consequence of reliance on less efficient and clean home heating fuels.
State and local environmental agencies interested in promoting alternative fuels, such as solar
energy, also use this information to identify areas that may be interested in alternative fuel options.
Private Sector Uses:

Utility companies and fuel oil distributors use these data to forecast the need for additional power
facilities such as generating plants, long distance pipelines for oil or natural gas, and long distance
transmission lines for electricity.
All questions on the ACS are required to manage and evaluate a wide range of federal, tribal, state, and local programs, but may also be useful for research,
education, journalism, advocacy, business and many other uses. This series explains the current uses of each question.

Attachment W

American Community Survey (ACS): Questions on the Form and Why We Ask

Selected Monthly Owner Costs
(Utilities, Fuel, Condo, Insurance, Mortgage)

required to manage and evaluate a wide range of federal, tribal, state, and local programs, but
may alsSource: ACS-1(2013)KFI

Attachment W

Why We Ask:
We ask about selected monthly owner costs, such as mortgage payments and utilities, to measure the
cost of homeownership. When combined with income, selected monthly owner costs offer an
excellent measure of affordability and excessive shelter costs.

History:

Questions regarding monthly owner costs have been asked since 1940. Questions about monthly
owner costs were included when the ACS was implemented nationwide in 2005.
Federal Uses:

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development uses these statistics in many of its housing
assistance programs. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services uses this information to
assess the need for housing assistance for elderly and low-income homeowners. This information is
also used to measure progress toward the congressional declaration of goals for national housing
policy: a decent home and suitable living environment for every American family.
State and County Uses:

States and counties seek to create policies and programs to encourage appropriate development for
the community. These governments also use these statistics to assist low-income families with home
energy assistance. This information is also used to ensure residents have affordable housing options,
and reduce the tax revenue losses from vacant or abandoned properties.
Private Sector Uses:

Advocacy groups use these estimates to assist the number of households paying between 30%- 50%
of their incomes towards housing costs. These households have unaffordable housing cost burdens
and are often the families that fall behind on rent when they face an unexpected car repair bill or
health emergency.

All questions on the ACS are required to manage and evaluate a wide range of federal, tribal, state, and local programs, but may also be useful for research,
education, journalism, advocacy, business, and many other uses. This series explains the current uses of each question.

Attachment W

American Community Survey (ACS): Questions on the Form and Why We Ask

Food Stamps/
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Source: ACS-1(2013)KFI

Why We Ask:
We ask this question about food stamps/SNAP to understand and forecast participation in assistance
programs. In 2008, the food stamp program was renamed SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Program).

History:

A question about food stamps/SNAP was included when the ACS was implemented nationwide in
2005.
Federal Uses:

Under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, the U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services continues to monitor and report state performance on a variety of outcomes
including work status, family formation, and SNAP participation. The Health Resource and Service
Administration (Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant) uses this information to understand
the population to be served and to allocate funds to states.
State and County Uses:

State and local governments use these statistics to assess state performance in the current year, food
stamp/SNAP participation rates for low-income working families with children, and the changes in the
participation rate of such families in the state over time.
Private Sector Uses:

Faith-based and other nonprofit organizations use information about food assistance needs to
determine where food banks, food kitchens, and other programs could be beneficial.

All questions on the ACS are required to manage and evaluate a wide range of federal, tribal, state, and local programs, but may also be useful for research,
education, journalism, advocacy, business, and many other uses. This series explains the current uses of each question.

Attachment W

American Community Survey (ACS): Questions on the Form and Why We Ask

Tenure and Home Value

Source: ACS-1(2013)KFI

Why We Ask:
We ask questions about tenure (whether a home is owned or rented) and home value to understand
local housing markets. These statistics are used to analyze whether communities are affordable for
residents, where new development could thrive, how to combat vacant and abandoned properties,
and a number of other issues.
History:

The first question about home ownership was asked in the Census of 1890, while the first question
about home value was asked in the Census of 1940. These questions were included when the ACS
was implemented nationwide in 2005.
Federal Uses:

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development uses these statistics to analyze the
availability of affordable housing in a community, and allocate assistance accordingly. The U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services uses them to analyze whether owner- and renterhouseholds assisted by the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) are treated
equitably. The Bureau of Economic Analysis uses this information to estimate the value of housing
services in the National and Regional Accounts, and other agencies use this information to analyze
utility costs, calculate vacancy rates and evaluate the overall sustainability of local housing markets.
State and County Uses:

States and counties seek to create policies and programs to encourage appropriate development for
the community. These governments use these statistics to understand changes in local housing
markets, ensure residents have affordable housing options, and reduce the tax revenue losses from
vacant or abandoned properties.
Private Sector Uses:

Businesses use these statistics to guide future investments to areas with a higher demand for their
goods and services. Advocacy groups use these statistics to influence tax and zoning policies.
All questions on the ACS are required to manage and evaluate a wide range of federal, tribal, state, and local programs, but may also be useful for research,
education, journalism, advocacy, business and many other uses. This series explains the current uses of each question.

Attachment W

American Community Survey (ACS): Questions on the Form and Why We Ask

Rent

Source: ACS-1(2013)KFI

Why We Ask:
We ask this question about rent because it is an essential measure of housing affordability and
excessive shelter costs.

History:
The first rent question was asked in the Census of 1940. A rent question was included when the ACS
was implemented nationwide in 2005.
Federal Uses:
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services uses ACS rent information in determining
eligibility for the Community Services Block Grants, which disperse housing assistance for low-income
households to states. Rent is also a vital aspect in establishing the U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development’s estimates of the average gross rents (rents plus utilities) by communities. This
program, known as the Section 8 Fair Market Rents, assists families in locating and affording decent,
safe, and sanitary housing. The Bureau of Economic Analysis uses these statistics to estimate the
market conversion price of rents in states and metropolitan areas.
State and County Uses:
State and local governments use rent to determine the needs of families residing in the jurisdiction.
Private Sector Uses:
Advocacy groups include underpriced rental housing as a key assessment in determining the
feasibility and viability of housing projects. Such practices can result in potentially less decent and
safe housing. Non-profit groups seeking to ensure that Americans with the lowest incomes have
affordable and decent housing also use ACS rent statistics.

All questions on the ACS are required to manage and evaluate a wide range of federal, tribal, state, and local programs, but may also be useful for research,
education, journalism, advocacy, business, and many other uses. This series explains the current uses of each question.