3-Year ACS Data Available

American Community Survey Alert, Number 62

(Released December 9, 2008)

News in this Alert

* December 9, 2008 -- Release of 2005-2007 ACS Social, Economic, Housing,
and Demographic 3-Year Estimates

*The ACS Compass Products - Presentations

*A Look Ahead - 2005-2007 ACS Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) Files Will
Be Released in Early 2009

*Contact Us

(continue reading after the break)

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* December 9, 2008 -- Release of 2005-2007 ACS Social, Economic, Housing,
and Demographic 3-Year Estimates

The U.S. Census Bureau today released 3-year ACS estimates for the first
time. These 3-year estimates are based on data collected from 2005 to 2007
and are published for all geographic areas with populations of 20,000 or
more. Of particular interest are data for midsize population areas (20,000
to 64,999). Characteristics for these areas have not been released since
the last decennial census in 2000.

These estimates describe the average characteristics for the 3-year time
period (January 2005 through December 2007. Guidance on how to use the new
ACS multiyear estimates can be found at:
<http://www.census.gov/acs/www/UseData/myeoverview.html>.

The press release highlighting the release of the 2005-2007 ACS estimates
can be found at:
<
http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/american_communit
y_survey_acs/012955.html
>.
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*The ACS Compass Products - Presentations

The Census Bureau has released a set of presentations as part of The ACS
Compass Products. These presentations provide important information on
various aspects of the American Community Survey and were developed for two
main purposes: (1) for individual use to learn more about the ACS and (2)
to provide a wide audience with the tools needed to conduct training on the
ACS. Each presentation consists of approximately 35 PowerPoint slides and
the accompanying speakers' notes. They will soon also be available as
multimedia files. The presentation topics are:

An Overview of the American Community Survey presents the basics of the
American Community Survey program and Website. It includes information on
content, survey methodology, and data products.

Things that May Affect Estimates from the American Community Survey
presents a discussion of sampling error and other things that affect
American Community Survey estimates, such as non-sampling error and
population controls.

Understanding Multiyear Estimates in the American Community Survey details
the definition, use, and interpretation of multiyear estimates.

Data Products from the American Community Survey presents an overview of
the American Community Survey data products, including examples of each
product.

Geographic Areas and Concepts for the American Community Survey gives an
overview of the types of geographic areas for which data are available from
the ACS.

The ACS Compass Products may be found at:
<http://www.census.gov/acs/www/UseData/Compass/compass_series.html>

If you have questions, comments, or identify any areas of concern with The
ACS Compass Products, we would like to hear from you. Please contact us by
email at acso.users.support@census.gov.
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* A Look Ahead: 2005-2007 ACS Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) Files Will
Be Released in Early 2009

The 2005-2007 PUMS file will be released in early 2009. This multiyear PUMS
file will contain the same sample of actual responses provided in the 2005,
2006, and 2007 One-Year PUMS files, with new weights.
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*Contact Us

If you have questions or comments about the American Community Survey,
please call (800) 923-8282 or e-mail cmo.acs@census.gov.
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