{"id":1125,"date":"2023-02-20T16:53:36","date_gmt":"2023-02-20T16:53:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.easidemographics.com\/web\/?p=1125"},"modified":"2023-11-29T15:42:04","modified_gmt":"2023-11-29T15:42:04","slug":"do-i-have-to-complete-the-american-community-survey-acs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.easidemographics.com\/web\/do-i-have-to-complete-the-american-community-survey-acs\/","title":{"rendered":"Do I Have to Complete the American Community Survey (ACS)?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Every year, millions of U.S. residents receive a thick packet of information, either through email or snail mail. These packets are from the U.S. Census Bureau, and ask the recipient to participate in the American Community Survey (ACS).<\/span><\/p>\n

Many who receive these requests wonder if it is legitimate or not. They may also wonder if it\u2019s true that they have to fill out and return the packet, since it says, \u201cyour response is required by law.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

First, we want to put your mind at ease and assure you that any envelope or email you receive saying it’s the ACS is likely to be legitimate. If you want to verify it, you can always call or email the Census Bureau to confirm you were one of the selected recipients.<\/span><\/p>\n

You should also know that if your household receives the ACS, it is absolutely worth completing. The information gathered by the ACS allows U.S. agencies to fully understand your neighborhood, your community, and how people like you live and work. This information informs policy decisions on both a local and national level that can benefit your community. In addition, it also helps dictate how over $600 billion in federal and state funds are spent annually to help local communities like yours.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Is the American Community Survey, the Census’ Lesser-Known Cousin?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Every 10 years, the U.S. government is required under the constitution to count every single resident. This process is colloquially known as “the census,” and most of the public is well aware of when it is being conducted.<\/span><\/p>\n

There\u2019s also another, lesser-known survey instrument used by the U.S. The Census Bureau called the ACS. Every month, the Census Bureau sends out about 3.5 million surveys to a randomly selected sample of addresses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Recipients are expected to answer on behalf of their household. Survey answers provide detailed information, beyond what\u2019s captured in the Census. The ACS requests more-detailed job, education, and household finance information such as:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n