Several Census data products are being released

Communities across America have been eagerly awaiting the results of the 2010 Census. The first results are just being released. Along with them, data for small geographic areas are being released by the American Community Survey for the first time.

The 2010 Census shows the number of people who live in the U.S., while the American Community Survey shows how people live, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

The American Community Survey shows demographic, social, economic, and housing characteristics (e.g., educational attainment, income, housing values). The American Community Survey has replaced the traditional decennial census long form – now providing this detailed data on an annual basis, rather than once every 10 years.

All American Community Survey data are estimates, collected by the Census Bureau from a sample of the population in the United States and Puerto Rico, rather than from the whole population. The Census Bureau publishes a margin of error for every ACS estimate.

Numbers from the 2010 Census can be used to obtain official counts of the population and their basic characteristics (sex, age, race, Hispanic origin, and homeowner status).

Data from the Census Bureau’s Population Estimates Program can be used in the years between censuses. The Population Estimates Program produces official population estimates for the nation, states, counties, cities and towns, plus housing unit estimates for states and counties.

The American Community Survey collects and releases data by the calendar year for geographic areas that meet specific population thresholds. One-, three-, and five-year period estimates represent the characteristics of the population and housing over a specific data collection period.

American Community Survey data are available through the American Factfinder at www.factfinder.census.gov. Data services staff are available to assist with data needs and answer questions at boston.pdsp@census.gov or (617) 424-4510.