The American Community Survey (ACS) is America’s most powerful survey and the nation’s leading source of information on education, employment, housing, health, and other issues that shape our communities. Conducted year-round, the ACS provides timely, reliable data that inform civil rights enforcement, voting rights, equitable public investment, research, and decision-making at every level of government.
Although August is recognized as ACS Awareness Month, the work of understanding, protecting, and using the ACS continues throughout the year. Because of this, Census Counts offers resources, tools, and educational opportunities to help organizations and community stakeholders access ACS data, communicate its importance, and apply it to their work.
Explore and share these resources, watch recordings of previous webinars, and visit our calendar for upcoming learning opportunities. Together, we can strengthen the ACS and ensure its data continue to advance civil rights, democracy, and equitable outcomes for all communities.
ACS Social Media Toolkit
This toolkit is designed to provide you with graphics and resources that can be used to educate communities and continue to uplift the importance of the ACS.
ACS Almanac
The ACS Almanac contains important information about why each question is asked on the ACS. Every question has a required purpose and many uses to enable policymakers, researchers, and community-based organizations to help communities.
Featured ACS Almanac Topics
Click any of the featured topics below to jump straight to resources answering, “Why does the ACS ask about…”
More Resources
Join #ACSAwarenessMonth on Social Media!
The Leadership Conference posts about the American Community Survey to help demystify why the ACS asks certain questions and how ACS data impact our lives. You can view our series of ACS Awareness Month posts below. Feel free to re-post or add your own!
The American Community Survey is the premier source for information about our country’s changing population, households, and workforce – and a crucial component of American democracy.
— The Leadership Conference (@civilrightsorg) August 23, 2023
It's vital that we strengthen and invest in the ACS. #ACSAwarenessMonth https://t.co/f652FQAinY
Why does the American Community Survey ask about home & housing costs?
— The Leadership Conference (@civilrightsorg) August 24, 2023
Federal, state & local leaders use ACS data to analyze whether residents have access to quality affordable housing, create housing assistance programs, and enforce anti-discrimination laws. #ACSAwarenessMonth
Why does the American Community Survey ask about your job, income & commute?
— The Leadership Conference (@civilrightsorg) August 25, 2023
It’s used to create unemployment assistance programs, bring jobs to communities, and improve commuting options.
It’s also used to enforce laws against discrimination in employment. #ACSAwarenessMonth
Why does the American Community Survey ask about level of education?
— The Leadership Conference (@civilrightsorg) August 28, 2023
This helps officials understand educational needs of children & adults in the community, create educational support & workforce training programs, and protect equal opportunity in employment. #ACSAwarenessMonth
Why does the American Community Survey ask what kind of computer & internet service you have?
— The Leadership Conference (@civilrightsorg) August 29, 2023
Required by the Broadband Data Improvement Act, it allows federal, state & local agencies to evaluate broadband access in communities & create programs to improve it. #ACSAwarenessMonth
— The Leadership Conference (@civilrightsorg) February 20, 2025
The more you know! The American Community Survey helps us understand what all of our communities need to thrive. Tell your story and help your community by completing the ACS if you receive it! Learn more here: censusroadmap.org/american-commu…
— civilrightsorg.bsky.social (@civilrightsorg.bsky.social) August 13, 2025 at 12:00 PM
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