The American Community Survey (ACS) is a nationwide survey designed to provide communities a fresh look at how they are changing. It is a critical element in the Census Bureau's reengineered decennial census program. The ACS collects and produces population and housing information every year instead of every ten years.

Most households in 2000 received a "short form", which contained several basic questions.  A sample of households received a "long form", which contained additional questions and provided information on what a community looks like.  The ACS is basically a replacement for the long form and samples ~2.5% of the community on a yearly basis.

For more information on the ACS, please visit the U.S. Census Bureau - American Community Survey website.