The American Community Survey (ACS) is a relatively new survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. It uses a series of monthly samples to produce annually updated data for most of the same geographic areas formerly surveyed via the decennial census long-form sample. In 2006, the ACS started producing data for the United States and the largest geographic areas. In 2010, we have the first full 5 year release and the first that used the 2010 Census as population controls. What is the American Community Survey?

What subjects are in the American Community Survey?

When was the data collected? How often is the data produced? Which areas will receive data. Between January 1, 2010 and December 21, ACS 1-year estimatesPopulation greater than 65,000 January 1, 2008 and December 21, ACS 3-year estimates Population greater than 20,000 January 1, 2006 and December 21, ACS 5-year estimates All size areas. The 2010 American Community Survey release

CurrencyReliability 1-year estimates provide information based on the last year Larger sample sizes produce estimates that are more statistically reliable 3-year estimates provide information based on the last year and the 2 years before that 3-year estimates are based on 3 times as many sample cases as 1-year estimates 5-year estimates provide information based on the last year and the 4 years before that 5-year estimates are based on 5 times as many sample cases as 1-year estimates Which release is best for me?

The availability of ACS data is limited by the population size of the county. Other geographic areas such as places, Metro/Micro areas, school districts etc. have to meet the same population conditions.

Bolivar County Carroll County Coahoma County De Soto County Holmes County Humphreys County Issaquena County Leflore County Panola County Quitman County Sharkey County Sunflower County Tallahatchie County Tate County Tunica County Warren County Washington County Yazoo County Defining the Delta

Refining the Delta Core Counties Bolivar County Coahoma County Humphreys County Issaquena County Leflore County Quitman County Sharkey County Sunflower County Tallahatchie County Tunica County Washington County Border Counties Carroll County De Soto County Holmes County Panola County Warren County Tate County Yazoo County

What are the official population counts? Although the American Community Survey (ACS) produces population, demographic and housing unit estimates, for 2010, the 2010 Census provides the official counts of the population and housing units for the nation, states, counties, cities and towns. For 2006 to 2009, the Population Estimates Program provides intercensal estimates of the population for the nation, states, and counties.official counts of the population and housing units for the nation, states, counties, cities and townsintercensal estimates of the population for the nation, states, and counties

Refining the Delta

Defining the Delta using PUMAs

PUMA 00500PUMA 00600PUMA 00700PUMA CoahomaBolivarCarrollHolmes PanolaWashingtonHumphreysIssaquena QuitmanLefloreSharkey TateSunflowerWarren TunicaTallahatchieYazoo Refining the Delta

Where to find ACS data?

American Community Survey: Data Products Profiles Data Profiles Comparison Profiles Selected Population Profiles Tables Detailed Tables Subject Tables Ranking Tables Geographic Comparison Tables Thematic Maps

DeSoto and Tate Counties have a Median Household Income greater than the state. Warren County’s income is not significantly greater than Mississippi’s. All the rest fall significantly below the state’s median income level.

Looking for trends in ACS data. PUMA00700 =Carroll, Humphreys, Leflore, Sunflower, and Tallahatchie Counties

Comparing Margins of Error across datasets.

Focusing on specific areas.

Median Household Income for the entire PUMA was $31,311. It ranged from a high of $40,404 in Warren County to a low of $21,360 in Issaquena County. Note: The margin of error for Issaquena County was 24% of the estimate.

Adding Margins of Error. Decreasing the Margins of Error. Adding areas together can decrease the Margin of Error

Adding Margins of Error. Decreasing the Margins of Error. It is possible to create new areas by adding areas together.

Decreasing the Margins of Error. The Census Bureau also provides collapsed versions of table to lower the margins or error.

Subject Tables Since Health Insurance was added in 2008 only 1 and 3 year estimates are available.

Advantages to the ACS More timely data Quicker to respond to change demographic trends Better Quality Data Disadvantages Smaller sample increases the Margin of Error Methods for dealing with large Margins of Error 1.Adding data geographically 2.Adding data by years (Using a 3-year rather than a 1year dataset) 3.Using collapsed tables 4.Using subject tables (When available) For more information visit ACS website