1. Data Quality and the ACS Introduction to the ACS Aggregator
Lisa Neidert
May 18, 2012
SEMCC Lunch & Learn
Schoolcraft College | Livonia, MI

2. Synopsis Census long-form data were not as good as you thought
ACS data are worse
Collapse cells or combine geographies
Tool: ACS Aggregator

3. ACS Data Quality Issues
Sample Size
1 in 8 instead of 1 in 6
Mixed Mode
Non-response is a ~1 in 3 sample
Uneven mail response across geography
Population Controls
Only at state/county
Long-form data had short-form

4. Census Bureau Solutions
Increase sample size
3.4 million households
Re-distribute sample
(+) Small census tracts
(+) Low response areas
( -) Large census tracts; high response areas
Education

5. PSC ACS Aggregator
Helps users re-calibrate margins of error after combining geographies or collapsing cells

6. Statistical Review
Compass Series: Technical Appendix

7. ACS Aggregator

8. Practice Data Detroit: Skillman Good Neighborhoods
Table B1100, ACS

9. Combine Geographies
Enter Name, Estimate, MOE for all geographies

10. Collapse Cells Enter Name, Estimate, MOE for each column
Geographies will be repeated

11. Questions/Comments