Census Data: Info & Resources

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Top Links

• Census ACS main webpage
• Understanding and Using ACS Data PDF (all 89 pages)
• ACS Forms and Instructions (English and Spanish)
• Top Questions About the Survey
• Release Schedule (usually Sept ACS-1, Dec ACS-5)
• data.census.gov
• Table Shells and Table List
• Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS)
• IPUMS User Forum
• HUD USPS ZIP Code Crosswalk Files
• Census data with R: 2 hours 2022 | 1.5 hours 2025
• Geography & ACS
• Census Academy (training)
• Census: Visualizations | Stories | Fact Sheets
• Using the Census Data API With ACS data
• U.S. Census Bureau: YouTube channel
• Population Reference Bureau: YouTube channel

Understanding ACS Data

What is ACS-5?

The American Community Survey 5-year estimates provide data for all geographic areas down to the census tract level...

Table Types

• B Tables (Detailed): Base detailed tables with demographic data
• S Tables (Subject): Subject-specific tables organized by topic
• DP Tables (Data Profiles): Selected social, economic, housing characteristics
• CP Tables (Comparison Profiles): Year-to-year statistical comparisons

Income & Poverty

• S1901_C01_013E - Median household income
• S1701_C03_001E - Percent below poverty level

Housing

• S2501_C01_001E - Occupied housing units
• DP04_0001E - Total housing units

Special Values in Data

• -666666666: No sample observations
• -999999999: Data not available
• -888888888: Missing data

Tips for Using the Application

• Always select geography from largest to smallest (State → County → Tract)
• Use "Find ACS-5 Field" to search for specific topics
• Check "Table History" to see all available fields for a table

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