The American Community Survey: A New Way to Collect Census Data

Author: Lynn Weidman
Organization: U.S. Census Bureau

Room 3775-3 FOB 3
Washington, DC 20233
USA

Phone: (301)457-3600
lweidman@census.gov

In response to a need to develop a more timely data collection system than the traditional decennial census, the Census Bureau developed "continuous measurement." This alternative data collection method calls for obtaining detailed social, economic, and housing information through an ongoing monthly survey--the American Community Survey--and obtaining population and housing unit counts and a few basic population characteristics through a decennial census. This presentation will provide information on the statistical design of the American Community Survey and highlight some of the statistical issues we are addressing in providing data for geographic areas and population groups.