Yes. Respondents are required to answer all questions on the American Community Survey (ACS) to the best of their ability. Response to this and other Census surveys is required by law (Section 221 of Title 13, Chapter 7, United States Code). This chapter also contains information regarding offenses and possible penalties.  According to Section 221, persons who do not respond shall be fined not more than $100.  Title 18 U.S.C. Section 3571 and Section 3559, in effect amends Title 13 U.S.C. Section 221 by changing the fine for anyone over 18 years old who refuses or willfully neglects to complete the questionnaire or answer questions posed by census takers from a fine of "not more than $100" to "not more than $5,000." 

Your answers are very important because they represent the answers of many other similar households in your community. The data that you and others provide in response to this survey are required to manage or evaluate federal and state government programs. If you submit an incomplete form or provide data that are unclear, we may contact you by phone or in person to obtain or clarify the missing information.

The ACS is part of the Decennial Census Program. It is a survey that is sent to a small percentage of our population on a rotating basis. These data previously were collected only in census years in conjunction with the decennial census. Since the ACS is conducted every year, rather than once every ten years, it will provide more current data throughout the decade. The Census Bureau may use the information it collects only for statistical purposes. Title 13 requires the Census Bureau to keep all information about you, and all other respondents, strictly confidential.  Any Census Bureau employee who violates these provisions is subject to a fine up to $250,000, a prison sentence up to five years, or both.

submit a request or question notify me

You can get population, housing, and business data for ZIP Codes or ZIP Code-like areas called "ZCTAs" from a variety of Census Bureau sources.

If you are looking for data on population and housing, you can get data for ZIP Code Tabulation Areas (see below on ZCTAs) from Census 2000 Summary Files 1 and 3, available online through the American FactFinder (click on "Data Sets") or from the Customer Services Center, 1-800-923-8282 or 301-763-4636.  The census has hundreds of tables for these areas.

American FactFinder (AFF) also has 1990 data for ZIP Codes, in Summary Tape File 3.  When you access "Detailed Tables" in AFF, you are asked to specify geography needed. "ZIP Code" is not in the standard display. You must click on "Show all geography types" to see the option for ZIP Codes in the drop-down menu.

Data from the Decennial Census for 1980, 1990, and 2000 are available on disc from the Customer Services Center at 1-800-923-8282 or (301) 763-INFO (4636).

You can get business data for ZIP Codes from the 2002 and 1997 Economic Census as well as the annual ZIP Business Patterns data.

A note on ZIP Code Tabulation Areas (ZCTAs):

Users must make a distinction between "ZIP Codes" and "ZIP Code Tabulation Areas," a new statistical entity developed by the U.S. Census Bureau for tabulating summary statistics from Census 2000. ZIP Codes are U.S. Postal Service (USPS) designations designed to facilitate mail delivery. The ZCTA was developed to overcome the difficulties in precisely defining the land area covered by each ZIP Code. Defining the extent of an area is necessary in order to accurately tabulate census data for that area.

ZCTAs are generalized area representations of USPS ZIP Code service areas. Simply put, each one is built by aggregating the Census 2000 blocks, whose addresses use a given ZIP Code, into a ZCTA which gets that ZIP Code assigned as its ZCTA code. They represent the majority of USPS five-digit ZIP Codes found in a given area. For those areas where it is difficult to determine the prevailing five-digit ZIP Code, the higher-level three-digit ZIP Code is used for the ZCTA code. For more information, please refer to the ZCTA (FAQ) Frequently Asked Questions Web page.

As shown above, the Census Bureau has data for both entities.

submit a request or question notify me

Thank you for asking about the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS). The answers provided by the households that receive the questionnaire will help federal and state agencies, elected officials, and businesses provide the services that all of the residents of the United States rely on every day. 

Here are questions and answers to questions asked most frequently by households that receive the ACS questionnaire. If you don't find your answer here, simply click on the Ask a Question tab above and we will get back to you ASAP.

• What is the American Community Survey?
• Do I have to answer the ACS questions?
• I've never heard of the ACS.  Is this survey authorized by the government of the United States?
• The ACS questionnaire took longer than 38 minutes to complete.
• Can you remove my address from the ACS sample?
• I've never seen anything this intrusive. Why do you ask such detailed questions?
• The government already asks for a lot of this information. Why are you asking for this information again?
• Why am I getting phone calls from the ACS?
• Why is an ACS field representative visiting my home?
• How can I confirm the enumerator is really from the Census Bureau?
• If I am contacted by telephone, how can I verify that the phone interviewer is a legitimate Census Bureau Employee?
• I am unable to respond because of my age and poor health.
• Why is this information so important?
• How do I benefit by answering the American Community Survey?
• Why was my address selected?
• How will the Census Bureau use the information that I provide?
• How do I know the information I give you will be kept confidential?
• Will the Census Bureau sell my address to a commercial mailing list?
• Will the Census Bureau give information about me to other federal agencies?
• I don't feel comfortable providing my income/salary information. Can't you get my income information from the IRS?
• I don't know what to answer for the race, Hispanic origin, and/or ancestry question(s).
• Why does the Census Bureau ask about?
• What if I don't know the exact answer for a question?
• Why did I get a reminder postcard about this survey when I haven't even received the survey?
• What does this reminder postcard refer to?
• What if I want to comment on the survey?
• I want to respond to the American Community Survey but I lost my envelope.

Thanks for your questions and support.

What is the American Community Survey?

The ACS is part of the Decennial Census Program. It is a survey that is sent to a small percentage of our population on a rotating basis. These data previously were collected only in census years in conjunction with the decennial census. Since the ACS is conducted every year, rather than once every ten years, it will provide more current data throughout the decade.

The ACS is conducted under the authority of Title 13, United States Code, Sections 141 and 193. The Census Bureau may use the information it collects only for statistical purposes. Title 13 requires the Census Bureau to keep all information about you, and all other respondents, strictly confidential.

Do I have to answer the ACS questions?

Yes. Response to this survey is required by law (Section 221 of Title 13 ).

Respondents are required to answer all questions on the ACS to the best of their ability. Your answers are very important because they represent the answers of many other similar households in your community. The data that you and others provide in response to this survey are required to manage or evaluate federal and state government programs. If you submit an incomplete form or provide data that are unclear, we may contact you by phone or in person to obtain or clarify the missing information.

I've never heard of the ACS. Is this survey authorized by the government of the United States?

Yes. The ACS is conducted under the authority of Title 13, United States Code, Sections 141 and 193. Response to this survey is required by law (Section 221 of Title 13). The Census Bureau may use the information it collects only for statistical purposes. Title 13 requires the Census Bureau to keep all information about you, and all other respondents, strictly confidential. Any Census Bureau employee who violates these provisions is subject to a fine up to $250,000, a prison sentence up to five years, or both.

The ACS questionnaire took longer than 38 minutes to complete.

Our estimate is that for the average household, the ACS form will take about 38 minutes to complete, including the time for reviewing the instructions and answers. Since this is an estimate, it will not hold true for every household that receives the survey. Many people use estimates for items such as utility payments because looking up the information can be time-consuming.

Can you remove my address from the ACS sample?

No. The validity of sample data would quickly deteriorate if selected households could request that some other household be selected just because they didn't want to participate. An address probably will not be included in the ACS survey more than once in a five-year period.

I've never seen anything this intrusive. Why do you ask such detailed questions?

The ACS questionnaire asks very detailed questions because we are required to collect specific information for federal and state government programs. For example, long-term care providers and community planners use information about disability to help them decide where to locate services and facilities. Federal and state government transportation planning agencies use journey-to-work information for roads and public transit development. You can find Fact Sheets on the ACS Web site that explain why we ask these questions.

The government already asks for a lot of this information. Why are you asking for this information again?

Although other government agencies collect some of the same information, we cannot use it for several reasons. First, we cannot obtain all of the required data from administrative records. Second, administrative records do not contain the data for everyone. Third, data may not be usable because of differences in collection periods or definitions. In addition, the ACS was designed to provide up-to-date information for federal and state agencies. Administrative records usually are not as current as the data that we collect.

Why am I getting phone calls from the ACS?

In order to collect the required information, we use a multi-part mail strategy coupled with telephone calls and personal visits, if necessary. First, we send a prenotice letter to let households know that they will soon receive a questionnaire. In order to improve response, we send a replacement questionnaire to non-respondents about three weeks after the initial questionnaire was delivered. If we do not receive a completed questionnaire after the replacement questionnaire is delivered, we may refer the case to one of our call centers. Since many people work during the week, the telephone interviewers call non-respondents in the evening and on weekends. If we are unable to reach an address by telephone, we may send one of our field representatives to the address to complete the interview in person.

Why is an ACS field representative visiting my home?

In order to collect the required information, we use a multi-part mail strategy coupled with telephone calls and personal visits, if necessary. First, we send a prenotice letter to let households know that they will soon receive a questionnaire. In order to improve response, we send a replacement questionnaire to non-respondents about three weeks after the initial questionnaire was delivered. If we do not receive a completed questionnaire after the replacement questionnaire is delivered, we may refer the case to one of our call centers. Since many people work during the week, the telephone interviewers call non-respondents in the evening and on weekends. If we are unable to reach an address by telephone, we may send one of our field representatives to the address to complete the interview in person.

How can I confirm the field representative is really from the Census Bureau? Where can I call?

Here are several key phone numbers to assist callers with questions on the survey:

• 1-800-354-7271 for survey respondents and questionnaire assistance and to determine whether or not you are in the survey if you are contacted by a Census Bureau field representative
• 1-800-923-8282 for general queries (including media) about the survey, why it's being conducted, who will be surveyed, how many households, etc.
• 301-763-4636 (INFO) for data inquiries

If I am contacted by telephone, how can I verify that the phone interviewer is a legitimate Census Bureau employee?

You can contact the nearest Census Bureau telephone call center:

• Hagerstown, MD:    1-800-392-6975
• Jeffersonville, IN:     1-800-523-3205
• Tucson, AZ:            1-800-642-0469

When you call one of the call centers, you will hear a menu of options. You can avoid listening to all the options by pressing zero on your touch tone phone upon hearing the start of the menu option message; this will connect you immediately to a supervisor who can verify whether or not the telephone interviewer does work for the Census Bureau.

I am unable to respond because of my age and poor health.

We regret that you have been unwell. However, a response to the questionnaire is required by law. If it would be easier for you, you can call us toll-free on 1-800-354-7271 and complete the questionnaire over the phone. If you are not able to complete the questionnaire by yourself, you can ask a friend or relative to help you.

Why is this information so important?

• Local and state governments use statistical information the Census Bureau provides to distribute money to cities and towns. The census data help to plan and fund:
  • School construction.
  • Transportation systems and highways.
  • Police and fire precincts.
  • Public housing.
  • Future utility needs.
    
• Data analysts use census data to:
  • Determine how cities are growing and changing.
  • Determine sites for new businesses.
  • Determine if a community has the workforce a company needs.
  • Forecast future demand for products.
  • Determine sites for day care and nursing care.

How do I benefit by answering the American Community Survey?

• The American Community Survey and the Puerto Rico Community Survey provide up-to-date information for the nation, states, cities, counties, municipos, metropolitan areas, and communities. By responding to the American Community Survey or the Puerto Rico Community Survey questionnaire, you are helping your community to establish goals, identify problems and solutions, and measure the performance of programs.
• Communities need data about the well-being of children, families, and the elderly to provide services to them. The data also are used to decide where to locate new highways, schools, libraries, hospitals, and community centers; to determine the goods and services its residents need.

Why was my address selected? 

Your address was scientifically selected to represent a cross section of other households in your community. A sample can be used to measure the whole population without having to spend a larger amount of federal funds to interview every household.

How will the Census Bureau use the information that I provide?

The Census Bureau will use the information you provide for statistical purposes only and cannot publish or release information that would identify you and your household. Your information will be used in combination with information from other households to produce data for your community to help federal, state, and local governments plan, administer and evaluate government programs. Similar data will be produced for communities across the United States and Puerto Rico.

How do I know the information I give you will be kept confidential?

The law requires that the Census Bureau must carefully protect the information you provide and hold it in complete confidence. We will publish only statistics from this survey, not any information that could identify you or anyone else personally. All Census Bureau interviewers take an oath of confidentiality. If an interviewer or other Census Bureau employee breaks this oath and discloses ANY information that could identify you or your household, that person can be fined up to $250,000 and/or sent to prison for up to 5 years.

Will the Census Bureau sell my address to a commercial mailing list?

No. Title 13 prohibits the Census Bureau from giving or selling your address to anyone, including other federal agencies.

Will the Census Bureau give information about me to other federal agencies?

No. Title 13 also restricts the Census Bureau from sharing information about an individual, household, or place of residence with any agency, public or private.

I don't feel comfortable providing my income/salary information. Can't you get my income information from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)?

Income information is not something we can obtain from another source such as the IRS. Also, our statistical data is based on different time periods and definitions than the IRS uses. This is information that will be reported statistically and will not identify you as an individual or your household. Each enumerator has taken an oath to keep all census information confidential.

I don't know what to answer for the Race, Hispanic Origin, or Ancestry question.

This/these question(s) represent self-identification. This/these question(s) are not clear-cut biological or genetic in reference, but rather how YOU classify yourself by (race/origin/descent/heritage). (You may indicate more than one ethnic group when answering the ancestry question, such as Italian-Greek.)

What if I don't know the exact answer for a question?

Ask someone else in your household, they might know the answer. If no one knows, give your best estimate.

Why did I get a reminder postcard about this survey when I haven't even received the survey?

Sometimes the postcards reminding you to complete and return the survey actually arrive sooner than the survey materials because they travel more quickly through the postal system.

What does this reminder postcard refer to?

You should have received a questionnaire for the American Community Survey/Puerto Rico Community Survey in the mail. These surveys collect information about population and housing characteristics throughout the decade. They are an ongoing, monthly survey which can provide more accurate and up-to-date data about our rapidly changing country. The postcard was sent to remind you of the importance of completing and mailing back the survey.  If you have not received a survey in the mail, you can call our Questionnaire Assistance Hotline toll-free on 1-800-354-7271 and request to complete the survey over the telephone.

What if I want to comment on the survey?

You can send comments about the survey to:

U.S. Census Bureau
American Community Survey Office
Washington, DC 20233-7500

or you may simply click on the Ask a Question tab above and we will get back to you.

I want to respond to the American Community Survey but I lost my envelope.

Send your completed questionnaire to:

Director
U.S. Census Bureau
P.O. Box 5240
Jeffersonville, IN 47199-5240

Finally, our Are You in a Survey page provides some general guidance on issues pertaining to those participants who fall within either a business or household census or survey.

Thanks for your questions and support.

submit a request or question notify me

The apportionment counts will be delivered to the President within nine months of Census Day (on or before December 31, 2010), as required by law. This report will show the apportionment population counts, by state, and the number of seats in the US House of Representatives apportioned to each state.

Public Law (P.L.) 94-171 requires the Census Bureau to provide only counts of the total population for a variety of geographic areas to be used for the redistricting process. In addition, other data items such as race, ethnicity, voting age and housing unit tallies are included in this data set. P.L. 94-171 also requires that these data be delivered to each state no later than April 1, 2011.

Other 100-percent data products such as demographic profiles, summary files of aggregated data, and reports will be released on a flow basis from April 2011 through September 2013. Please see the link below for a more detailed schedule of products and release dates.

2010 Census Data Products

More detailed population and housing information is available from the American Community Survey.

submit a request or question notify me

Although censuses are a source of genealogical information, the Census Bureau does not provide these data nor can we assist in locating missing persons or provide recent information on individuals.  In keeping with the Census Bureau's commitment to confidentiality, information collected in the Decennial Census of Population and Housing on individuals does not become available to the public until after a period of 72 years.

Geneaology Tips will help amateur genealogists use census records to fill out their family tree.

You can access personal census records from the 1930 census and earlier through the U.S. National Archvies and Records Administration (http://www.archives.gov/index.html) . Information on all aspects of how to do a genealogical search and National Archives locations are available.  The 1940 census records will be released to the public on April 2, 2012. 

submit a request or question notify me

The 2010 Census data will be disseminated mainly through American FactFinder beginning in January of 2011. Visit American Factfinder on the Census Bureau's website (click on the American FactFinder link on the left side of the page). Data will include demographic profiles, summary files of aggregated data, and reports. Data also will be available on DVD and in printed reports.

submit a request or question notify me

Yes, we have detailed import and export data available through an on line subscription service. 

The 2007 subscription is now an on line service.  Currently, the 2006 subscription series on DVD prices are listed below.   Contact Me If This Answer Changes. 

submit a request or question notify me

Here are three options:

• Call the Commodity Analysis Branch at 800-549-0595, and press 2 from the main menu.
• Send email inquiries Mr. Paul Herrick at paul.e.herrick@census.gov .
• For help with import classification, you must contact your local Customs.
  

submit a request or question notify me

The Census Bureau publishes ACS data in tables on the American FactFinder website. From there, you can choose from a variety of table types, including Data Profiles, Geographic Comparison Tables, and more.

Other data options include:

• Summary File

• Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) files

• Downloadable data via FTP

To learn more about these options, visit the Data & Documentation page on the ACS website.

submit a request or question notify me

Here are two easy ways to find the population for your city or town.  

From the Main page (factfinder2.census.gov) use Quick Start search:

• Quick Start is made up of two text boxes. In the text box on the left, type "Population" and in the text box on the right, type in your city or town. Click GO to see a list of search results.
• The search results will be organized by year starting with the most recent table. This will give you total population followed by a racial breakdown of your city or town. Click the link to open the table.

Note: If Quick Start did not return the correct geography, click "clear all selections" in Your Selections (upper left corner of screen) and use the Geography search method (left side of screen).  

From the Geography search:

• Open the Geographies search, located below the Topics list (left side of page). This will open an overlay window (it sits above the search results) called "Select Geographies."
• Within the overlay window you'll see the following: on the top, a text box; on the left, "Your Geography Filters" and also "Geography Filter Options;" and on the right, "Geography Results."
• Using the text box of the overlay window, enter the name of your city or town and click GO.
• Find your city or town within the Geography Results and click the linked name to add it to your search (it will be added to "Your Selections" in the upper left hand corner of the screen).
• You can now close the Select Geographies overlay window by clicking the "x" in the upper right corner.
• The search results will be organized by year starting with the most recent table. Click the linked table name to open the table.

To see the population of all the cities or towns in your county or in your state please view the .

submit a request or question notify me

submit a request or question notify me

• While the process to find all blocks within a Census tract is the same for all decennial censuses, the size and number of blocks and tracts may change between censuses. To ensure you are getting the blocks and tracts from the correct census, select the decennial census year or dataset from "Topics." Then click the "Geographies" button located below "Topics" on the left side of the Main or Search page.
• Expand the Summary Level filter in the Geography Filter Options box.
• Select Summary Level "100 - Block."
• Expand the "Within State" filter and select your state.
• Expand the "Within County" filter and select your county.
• The Geography Results will now display all blocks within the county you selected followed by all blocks within census tract "XX." 
• To narrow to a specific census tract, you can input the tract number in the Geography text box located below the Geography Name tab and click GO. Otherwise, you can scroll through the list of census tracts in the Geography Results until you find the one you want.
• To make your selection(s), click the check box next to each geography name and then click "Add" located at the top of the Geography Results.
• Once you have made your geographic selections, you can close out the Geographies Search window. Your search results will be updated.

submit a request or question notify me

The Census Bureau provides data on educational attainment from the following sources:

• The American Community Survey (ACS).  Sample data for the U.S., all states, all metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas, and geographic areas of 65,000 or more population are released annually, and our most current data comes from the ACS 1-year estimates (select the second listing).  Data for all geographic areas of 20,000 are available from the ACS 3-year estimates.  Sex by age by educational attainment are available for the population age 18 and over, and tables sex by race and Hispanic origin are available for the population age 25 and over.  Other topics such as poverty status, employment, veteran status, and median earnings are also provided by educational attainment.
  
  
• The Current Population Survey (CPS). This survey collects annual data on educational attainment for the nation and from the CPS Data Tables, Products, and Reports as well as historical reports for the U.S. and states.  The CPS report A Half-Century of Learning: Historical Statistics on Educational Attainment in the United States: 1940 to 2000 is also an excellent source of data.
  
  
• 2000 Census of Population and Housing.  Educational attainment are available for all geographic areas.  Our Census 2000 brief Educational Attainment: 2000 provides information at the national and state level, and also includes U.S. map showing county-level information.  Additional data tables from the census are also available..

[PDF] or denotes a file in Adobe's Portable Document Format. To view the file, you will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader available free from Adobe.

submit a request or question notify me

For help with import classification, you must contact your local customs office.  For exports, follow the steps below:

1. From the Schedule B page, select "Search" underneath the heading "Schedule B Export Codes".
   
2. Enter a keyword to describe your product.  Use no more than one or two words at a time.  You may need to try this part several times.  Be flexible; try different forms of the same word or synonyms. (For example, if "medicine" does not produce the desired results, try "medicament", instead.)
   
3. The search engine retrieves HS descriptions and codes at the six-digit level.  Click on the corresponding code for the description that best matches your product.
   
4. This brings you to the four-digit heading within the Schedule B chapter.  Read the heading description to make sure that you are looking in the correct area.
   
5. Scroll down to the six-digit HS subheading and verify that the description is also appropriate.
   
6. To locate your ten-digit Schedule B number, read through the descriptions under that subheading, paying attention to indentations and groupings.

For example, entering the keyword "software" pulls up 852431 through 852499, and clicking on the numbers brings you into Chapter 85 at heading 8524, where you can read through the descriptions under the suggested subheadings to find the right Schedule B number.

Please note that the Schedule B manual includes explanatory information such as Section Notes, Statistical Notes and Chapter Notes that should be examined to confirm the proper classification of your product.

submit a request or question notify me

In addition to our Selected Historical Decennial Census Population and Housing Counts, 1790 to 1990, for all geographic areas in the United States, there are three major sources of historical decennial census data:

• Historical Census Reports - Contains scanned copies of all decennial census printed reports from 1790 to 2000 in PDF   or ZIP format.  Any data missing from these files may be requested by contacting the Main Census Bureau Library on 301-763-2511.
• Measuring America: The Decennial Censuses from 1790 to 2000  - This report includes the census questionnaire and instructions for each census and individual census histories are also provided.
• Historical Statistics of the United States, Colonial Times to 1970 - This section provides data from the Statistical Abstracts from 1900 to 2010, the Bicentennial Edition, Part 1  and Part 2  , and Historical Statistics for the U.S.from 1789 to 1945

In addition to the above, the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) (http://www.fdlp.gov/)  provides local access for census data users.  Libraries designated as FDLPs maintain census publications and products as part of their existing collection and are responsible for assuring that the public has free access to these materials.  Each Congressional District has at least one FDLP.  Libraries identified as Regional Depository Libraries (one per state) have extensive collections of census publications and electronic products.  Other FDLPs often have a more limited selection.

[PDF] or denotes a file in Adobe's Portable Document Format. To view the file, you will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader available free from Adobe.

This page contains one or more links, denoted by this symbol , which are not part of the Census Bureau Web site and do not imply endorsement of any particular product, company, or content.

submit a request or question notify me

Actually the best source for data on oil production, consumption, and prices are the  U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) annual reports entitled the Annual Energy Review (AER) and the International Energy Annual. The AER data are available in time series format.  The extensive historical data makes it possible to study trends in oil consumption over time.  There is further information on the  petroleum site, as well as a petroleum  chronology of events dating from 1970 to 2000. 

The Statistical Abstract of the United States has many of the EIA statistics. To find these data select the edition (year) of interest, go to the "Energy and Natural Resources" section, and then browse the tables on "Petroleum".

This page contains one or more links, denoted by this symbol , which are not part of the Census Bureau Web site and do not imply endorsement of any particular product, company, or content.

submit a request or question notify me

The types of products are the same. We expect to release summary files, profiles, and reports. However, the design of these products will be different, but we hope to provide as much comparability to Census 2000 as possible. The main difference is that the 2010 Census data products contain data derived from the short-form census questionnaire: age, sex, race, Hispanic or Latino origin, relationship, housing tenure (owner- and renter-occupied housing units) as opposed to more characteristics captured from the long-form in the past census. Current data on the traditional census long-form subjects are available from the American Community Survey.

submit a request or question notify me

To locate population information for your address:

• Use the Population Finder.
• Click on the Population Finder link located on the left navigation menu on the American FactFinder main page.
• Enter the name of your city/town, county or Zip Code in the box, select a state name (optional) and click Go.
• To see population information at the census tract level, use the Search by Address link in the selection box.
• The results contain the population numbers from the 1990 and 2000 Censuses and the latest population estimate.

To view a data profile for your address:

• Use the Fact Sheet link or the "Fast Access to Information" box at the top center of the AFF main page.
• Enter your city/town, county, or ZIP Code and select a state name (optional) and click Go.

The Fact Sheet will default to the 2005 American Community Survey data, if available, for your geographic selection. If data is not available, a note will appear to the right of the 2000 tab. Data from the 2005 American Community Survey is only available for geographic areas with a population of 65,000 or more.

• Click on the Search by Address link located on the Fact Sheet.
• Enter a street address, city/town, state and Zip Code.
• Click Go.
• The Fact Sheet page updates to show links to additional geographies such as: United States, state, county, census designated place, county subdivision, Zip Code Tabulation Area, and census tract.

To view additional data tables related to your geographic selection, click on the People, Housing, or Business and Government links on the left navigation menu. Select any of the tables or maps available.

Your geographic selections will be retained if you use the browser back button to return to the People, Housing, or Business and Government pages to make another table selection.

The Address Search in American FactFinder provides different information than the Search by Address mentioned above.

• Click on the Street Address link located on the lower left side of the American FactFinder main page.
• Select a year and program.
• Enter the address information in the appropriate boxes and click Go.
• The search results provide a list of all geographies associated with the address entered.
• Highlight an entry in the box and click Go to have American FactFinder search for maps and tables associated with the selected geography.

Reminder: American FactFinder address search does not contain names associated with the addresses.

If you are unable to find your address in the American FactFinder search, view  for further assistance.

submit a request or question notify me

The Census Bureau provides first and surname data that may be of interest to people seeking genealogy, family name, or given name information from the following decennial censuses:  

• Frequently Occurring Surnames From Census 2000,
• Frequently Occurring First Names and Surnames From the 1990 Census, and 
• Spanish surname list from the 1990 Census.

submit a request or question notify me

Currently (July 2011) the following datasets are in the new American FactFinder:

2010 Census Data:

• Redistricting Data Summary File (PL 94-171)
• National Redistricting Data Summary File
• Demographic Profile Summary File
• Summary File 1 (released on a state-by-state basis through the end of August 2011)

County Business Patterns

• 2009 County Business Patterns

Population Estimates

• 2008 Population Estimates

2000 Census Data

• Summary Files 1,2,3,4
• 110th Congressional District Summary File
• State Legislative District Summary File
• American Indian Alaska Native Summary File
• Redistricting Data Summary File (PL 94-171)

To see a listing of the datasets available in the new American FactFinder, select "Topics" from the left-side navigation of the Main page, then select "Dataset."  All datasets currently available in the system will be displayed under that topic. To add a dataset to your search results, simply select that dataset from the list.

Note: For any dataset not listed above, please visit the legacy American FactFinder. Over the coming months data in the legacy American FactFinder will be moved to the new American FactFinder.  

submit a request or question notify me

The Census Bureau provides several Data Extraction Tools and the most extensive table generator tool is the Census Bureau's Data Ferrett which provides over 20 searchable topics.  DataFerrett tutorials are available as well as a help line at 1-888-437-0171.

Our Current Population Survey Table Creator allows you to pull your own custom tables on survey data such as income, poverty, education, health insurance, etc., for the U.S. and states.  Detailed instructions with examples are provided.

submit a request or question notify me

Subscribe

To sign up for updates, select the "Get Email Updates" icon on the right side of the ACS homepage or directly access the Census Bureau's GovDelivery system to enter your email address.

The ACS e-mail updates provide periodic e-mail communication to inform you about news, events, data releases, congressional action, and other developments associated with the ACS.

Unsubscribe or change preferences

If you do not want to receive updates about the ACS, or if you want to receive updates only for particular topics, enter your email address in the Census Bureau's GovDelivery system. You will have the option of changing preferences or unsubscribing.

submit a request or question notify me

Some Census Bureau tables show counts of people or families, categorized by how their income compares with their poverty threshold. The ratio of income to poverty is a family's or person's income divided by their poverty threshold.

Income-to-poverty ratio categories represent variations of the poverty level. Frequently-used ratios include:

• Ratios below 1.00 (below 100 percent of poverty) are below the official poverty definition, while ratios of 1.00 or greater (100 percent of poverty or greater) indicate income above the poverty level.
  
  
• Ratios below 0.50 (50 percent of poverty, that is, income less than half of the poverty threshold) have sometimes been described as "severe poverty", while those with ratios at/or above 1.00 percent by less than 1.25 percent have been described as "near poverty".

You can access the most recent ratio data on a national level from Current Population Survey.  Table POV46 provides poverty status by state (weighted and sample person count) by age and for families by specific age group.   Historical poverty tables include data for these two groups. 

Our most current data on income to poverty ratios comes from the American Community Survey 1-year estimates for all geographic areas of 65,000 or more population, and for all geographic areas of 20,000 or more population from the 2006 to 2008 3-year estimates.  These data tables will be updated annually for all geographic areas in the U.S. after the 2010 census.

submit a request or question notify me

The Census Bureau conducted censuses of religious bodies at 10-year intervals from 1906 through 1936. The results were published with statistics on topics such as the number of members in congregations, number of church edifices, seating capacity, value and debt on church property, and so forth. The census publications varied with the first two having volumes of reports and the 1926 and 1936 censuses releasing a Summary report and a second volume made up of individual reports on the denominations listed in the census. See our detailed listing of reports from past censuses (1790 on).

There also was a survey of religious affiliation done as part of the Current Population Survey in 1957 with the results published in a report entitled, "Religion Report by the Civilian Population of the United States, March 1957." The Census of Religious Bodies began as a few questions on the Social Statistics form of the 1850 census. When the Bureau became permanent in 1902, it became possible to separate some data collection from the decennial census. The Census of Religious Bodies was a stand-alone census taken every  10 years between 1906 and 1936. Data were collected in 1946 but the funding for tabulation was not forthcoming. The entire census was eliminated in the mid 1950's. Copies of the report are in the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (http://www.nara.gov).

The U.S. Census Bureau does not collect data on religious affiliation in its demographic surveys or decennial census. Public Law 94-521 prohibits us from asking a question on religious affiliation on a mandatory basis; in some person or household surveys, however, the U.S. Census Bureau may collect information about religious practices, on a voluntary basis. Therefore, the U.S. Census Bureau is not the source for information on religion, nor is the Census Bureau the source for information on religious affiliation. Some statistics on religion can be found in the Statistical Abstract of the United States, Section 1, Population.  In addition, we do provide a list of contacts for further assistance regarding religious information.

submit a request or question notify me

The United States International Trade Commission allows you to search  the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States Annotated (HTSUSA) for import commodity codes.

Because import and export commodity codes match at the six-digit level, you may also use our Schedule B Search  to find the first six digits of your import number.

Once you have obtained the six-digit subheading, you can look up the full, ten-digit import code in the HTSUSA.

For help with import classification, you must contact your local Customs office.

submit a request or question notify me

You must think about the balance between currency and sample size/reliability/precision. The 1-year and 3-year estimates are more current than the 5-year estimates. However, the 5-year estimates have a larger sample size and are therefore usually more precise than the 1-year or 3-year estimates. The increased precision of a 5-year estimate may be particularly important if you are studying a small area or a small population subgroup.

For more detailed information, visit When to use 1-year, 3-year, or 5-year estimates on the American Community Survey (ACS) website.

submit a request or question notify me

submit a request or question notify me

The most comprehensive and detailed industry and geographic area data come from the economic census every 5 years, for years ending in "2" and "7".  The economic census publishes basic data measures (number of establishments, sales, payroll and number of employees) by industry code and geographic area, as well as by other dimensions such as sales size and legal form of organization.  In addition, product detail is published for almost all industries, and numerous other data items are published for selected industries.

• Finding Data, in the Economic Census Web page User Guide, will help you understand what data are available and how it's organized.
• Using American FactFinder on the Economic Census Web page will help you find what you want in American FactFinder.

Along with the economic census every 5 years, there also the Survey of Business Owners. This program collects data about characteristics of business owners, such as minority status, as well as characteristics of their businesses, such as sources of financing.

The most recent industry and geographic area data come from annual, quarterly, and monthly surveys. However, these surveys are more limited than the economic census in industry scope, geographic detail (most are U.S. only), and/or data content. Some survey special topics are not covered by the economic census.  The Business & Industry page includes links to these annual, quarterly, and monthly Census Bureau economic surveys.

The economic census and many surveys only cover establishments with paid employees - You'll need to reference the separate Nonemployer Statistics for total industry and sales data.

submit a request or question notify me

In order to get trade information, you need to be able to correctly classify your product.  There are many ways to classify goods that are imported and exported.  In each of these systems, the products have specific commodity numbers that indicate various levels of detail.

All U.S. trade data is based on the Harmonized Tariff System (HTS), a series of 10-digit codes. These HTS codes fall under one of two categories: durable goods and non-durable goods. Browse our list of Schedule B export codes  or call our Commodity Analysis Branch to find your product codes.

Once you have the commodity codes, contact our Data Dissemination Branch to order a customized report.

NOTE on Internet availability: There is limited availability of trade data from our web site.  It is available free of charge via more general classification codes (SITC and NAICS).  The most detailed data is available through our Data Dissemination Branch and our online service, USATrade Online, for a fee.

submit a request or question notify me

For dynamically generated tables, maps, and files from American FactFinder:

1. U.S. Census Bureau;²
2. Name of the database or other data repository/source (e.g., American FactFinder), set off by quotation marks, or follow publication citation style;
3. The name of the person who generates the tabulation, etc., e.g., "generated by John Smith;"
4. The name of the software package used to generate the tabulation, if known, e.g., "using American FactFinder;"
5. The URL of the application software's main or first page set off by angle brackets, e.g., <http://factfinder.census.gov>;
6. The date, within parenthesis, when the user generated the tabulation, e.g., (7 January 2005).

²Use semicolons to separate elements. 

For a reference map in American FactFinder: 

U.S. Census Bureau; generated by Jane Smith; using American FactFinder; <http://factfinder.census.gov>; (12 February 2005).

For a thematic map in American FactFinder (find the specific survey or census, data set and matrix number under the map image):

U.S. Census Bureau; Census 2000, Summary File 1, Matrix P7; generated by Joe Smith; using American FactFinder; <http://factfinder.census.gov>; (15 February 2005).

Examples: 

• U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2003 Summary Tables ; generated by John Smith; using American FactFinder; <http://factfinder.census.gov>; (7 January 2005).
• U.S. Census Bureau; Census 2000, Summary File 1; generated by Jane Jones; using  American FactFinder; <http://factfinder.census.gov>; (20 February 2004)
• U.S. Census Bureau; 1990 Census of Population and Housing, Summary Tape File 3; Matrices P13, P31; generated by John Smith; using American FactFinder; <http://factfinder.census.gov>; (12 December 2004).

Other Sources for Citation Styles: 

Library of Congress

Internet Public Library

This page contains one or more links, denoted by this symbol , which are not part of the Census Bureau Web site and do not imply endorsement of any particular product, company, or content.

submit a request or question notify me

Yes, the U.S. Census Bureau produces data by single year of age:

• The U.S. Census Bureau's Population Estimates Program produces monthly population estimates by single year of age for the United States and annual population by single year of age for all states.
• The Census 2000 also has single years of age data for several levels of geography. (FAQ 225)

submit a request or question notify me

Data for race, ethnic origin, and ancestry are available in American FactFinder in the Fact Sheet, People, Business and Government, Data Sets, Download Center, and Maps (Thematic Maps).

1. Fact Sheet/Fact Sheet for Race, Ethnic, and Ancestry Group (2000 and 2006)

• The Fact Sheets are available by selecting the Fact Sheet link on the left navigation menu on the American FactFinder main page. The Fact Sheets contain basic demographic, economic, social, and housing data. Census 2000 data are available for the nation, states, counties, towns, cities, Zip codes, and census tracts. Data from the American Community Survey are available for geographic areas with a population of 65,000 or more.
  • The Fact Sheet contains data on the six major race categories and can be shown for a variety of geographic selections by using the box at the top of the Fact Sheet page to make state, county, city/town, or ZIP Code selections.
  • The Fact Sheet for a Race, Ethnic, or Ancestry Group is only available for Census 2000 data. The Fact Sheet provides data based on the user selected population group as well as geography. This Fact Sheet is not available for Zip Codes.

2. People

• Select the Origins and Language section for Ancestry data.
• Select Race and Ethnicity for additional tables and maps on Race and Hispanic or Latino origin.
• Census 2000 data is available for the nation, states, counties, towns, cities, Zip codes, and census tracts. Data from the American Community Survey are available for geographic areas with a population of 65,000 or more.

3. Business and Government (select Business and Industry)

• Data on Minority and Women-Owned Businesses

4. Data Sets - Decennial data sets provide the most detailed geographic coverage (including Metropolitan areas, American Indian/Alaska Native/Hawaiian homeland areas, urban areas, Congressional Districts, etc.)

• Decennial - Census 2000
  • Census 2000 Summary Files contain data on race for various population and housing characteristics. Summary File 2 and Summary File 4 present all tables available by race, ethnic group, and ancestry (SF 4 only) subject to population thresholds based on confidentiality rules.
    • Detailed Tables - Summary File 1 contains race and Hispanic Origin data for the 100-percent count of the population and housing units. Summary File 2 detailed tables are available by race and ethnic origin. Summary File 3 contains data on ancestry (table P13), as does Summary File 4, and the 109th Congressional District Summary File (Sample).
    • Geographic Comparison Tables - Race and Hispanic Origin data are available in Summary File 1, 109th Congressional District Summary File (100-Percent), and the Census 2000 Redistricting Summary File, (P.L. 94-171).
    • Quick Tables - Race and Hispanic Origin data are available in Summary File (SF) 1, 2, and 4, 109th Congressional District Summary File (100-Percent), and the Census 2000 Redistricting Summary File, (P.L. 94-171).
    • Thematic Maps - Summary File 1, 109th Congressional District Summary File (100-Percent), and Census 2000 Redistricting Data Summary File contain Thematic Maps on race and Hispanic or Latino Origin. SF 3 and the 109th Congressional District Summary File (Sample) contain Thematic Maps on Ancestry.
• 1990 Census Data
  • Summary Tape File (STF) 1 and STF 3 contain race, Hispanic Origin, and ancestry data.
    • Detailed Tables - STF 1 for race and Hispanic Origin; STF 3 for race, Hispanic origin, and ancestry.
    • Geographic Comparison Tables are not available for race, Hispanic origin, or ancestry in STF 1 or STF 3.
    • Quick Tables - Race and Hispanic origin in STF 1. DP-2, Social Characteristics in STF 3 contains Ancestry data.
    • Thematic Maps - STF 1 contains Thematic Maps for race and Hispanic or Latino Origin. STF 3 contains Thematic Maps for Ancestry.
• American Community Survey
  • The 2007 American Community Survey data set has many table formats with race data.
    • Data Profiles - The General Demographic Profile contains race and Hispanic or Latino Origin data.
    • Multi-Year Profiles - Contains race and Hispanic or Latino Origin data for multiple years (2000-2004).
    • Selected Population Profiles - Tables for 120 race, ethnic, and ancestry groups at the National and State level.
    • Ranking Tables - Race and ethnicity tables for states, counties and places.
    • Subject Tables - Do not contain race data.
    • Detailed Tables - Contain estimates of demographic and economic characteristics of people, households and housing units iterated by race.
    • Thematic Maps - Maps of the United States by State for the major race groups.
  • Geographic Coverage in the 2007 American Community Survey - Data are available for the United States, every state in the Nation, and all geogaphic areas with a population of 65,000 or more.

5. Download Center

• The Census 2000 data sets and the 2007 American Community Survey data set contain data on race and Hispanic or Latino Origin.

6. Thematic Maps

• Maps on race and Hispanic or Latino origin are available for the 1990 and 2000 Census data sets and the 2005 American Community Survey.

7. Accessing the data:

• Select Data Sets from the left menu of the American FactFinder main page.
• Select a Data Set from the list.
• Select a Summary File and table format.
• Make your geographic selection(s). Click Add to place them in the selection box followed by Next.
• Make your table selections. Click on the 'by keyword' tab and enter a keyword (race, Hispanic, ancestry). Click Search. The search returns a list of the tables in the data set that contain related data.
• Make your population group selections (SF 2 and SF 4 only).
• Click on Show Results.

submit a request or question notify me

Our web site on Poverty provides data links to all of the sources of poverty data that are published by the Census Bureau.  These include data from the Current Population Survey (CPS), the American Community survey (ACS), Census 2000, and other data sources.  Also, you can access Detailed and Historical Poverty tables from this page.

• The Current Population Survey collects national and state poverty data through our annual report "Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2008".  Tables can be produced for the U.S. and states and Detailed Tables for the nation.

The following sites require using our data access tool "American FactFinder."  If you need assistance using this tool, go to our . You may also call the Customer Liaison and Marketing Services Office at 1-800-923-8282 or (301) 763-INFO (4636).

• American Community Survey - The ACS collects and publishes annual sample poverty data for all geographic areas in the U.S. of 65,000 or more population from the 2008 ACS 1 year estimates and 2006-2008 ACS 3 year estimates for all geographic areas of 20,000 or more population (2006-2008 3 year estimates are scheduled to be released on October 27, 2009).
  
  
• 2000 Census on Population and Housing - Poverty data are provided from Summary File 3 and Summary File 4 for all geographic areas in the U.S.  You can also access 1990 Census data using Summary Tape File 3.  The census does provide poverty data tables for all geographies down to the block group level and all ZIP Code Tabulation Areas in the U.S.

submit a request or question notify me

The Summarized AES Filing Process is as follows:

1. File your Electronic Export Information (EEI) in AES or authorize an agent to file the EEI on your behalf. 
   
2. Obtain a confirmation number (ITN) proving your EEI has been successfully transmitted
   • If an ITN was not returned, you must resolve whatever errors prevented its acceptance and retransmit the corrected record.
   • If a Verify Message is returned with your ITN, verify the data and correct and retransmit as necessary. If no correction is needed, you can disregard the verify message.
     
3. Annotate your invoice, packing list, air waybill, truck bill or other commercial loading document with the AES Proof of Filing Citation.
   • Proof of Filing Citation Format:      "AES  [put ITN here]"
   • Proof of Filing Citation Example:    "AES  X20051020123456"
     
4. Give your export shipment to the carrier with the annotated documents.
   
5. If you discover that changes need to be made to the EEI, please amend the EEI or instruct your agent to amend the EEI and resubmit to AES.
   
6. Keep a copy of the EEI on file for five years.
   

submit a request or question notify me

The ACS uses the concept of "current residence" to determine who should be considered residents of sample housing units. The basic idea behind this concept is that everyone who is currently living or staying at an address for more than two months is considered a current resident of that address.

This means that their expected length of stay is more than two months, not that they have been staying in the housing unit for more than two months at the time when the survey is conducted. Persons away from their residence for two months or less, whether in the United States or overseas, on a vacation or on a business trip, are considered to still be a "resident" at the address, and the unit is classified as occupied and eligible for inclusion in the survey. Persons away from their residence for more than two months are considered not to be a resident. For the ACS, if no one is determined to be a current resident in the sampled housing unit, it is classified as "vacant."

There are a few exceptions to the "two-month" rule, as noted below:

Persons Without Another Place to Stay -- Anyone staying at a residence who does not have another place to stay, even if they are at the residence for two months or less, are always considered current residents of the residence.

Children Away at School -- Children (below college age) who are away at boarding school or summer camp for more than two months are always considered current residents of their parents' homes. College students' current residency is established by the two-month rule.

Children in Joint Custody -- Children who live under joint custody agreements and move between residences are always considered current residents of the sampled housing unit where they are staying at the time of the interview.

"Commuter Workers" -- People who stay at a residence close to work and return regularly to another residence to be with their family are always considered current residents of the family residence, not the work-related residence.

Residency in Group Quarters facilities is determined differently. All people residing in the selected facility at the time of interview, regardless of the length of stay, are eligible to be selected to be interviewed in the ACS.

For more information on ACS residency rules, read Chapter 6: Survey Rules, Concepts and Definitions, Section 6.3: Residence Rules on the Methodology page of the ACS website.

submit a request or question notify me

The Census Bureau releases some statistics on the criminal justice system in our data on government employment and finance, but none on crime, criminals, or victims. Our annual Statistical Abstract of the United States has a wide range of tables related to crime issues. Additional sources include:

• FedStats  has crime data by Federal Judicial District. 
• Housing and Urban Development's (HUD).  State of the Cities  database also has crime data.
• Agencies of the U.S. Department of Justice, notably the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons, offer many statistics on crime as well.

This page contains one or more links, denoted by this symbol , which are not part of the Census Bureau Web site and do not imply endorsement of any particular product, company, or content.

submit a request or question notify me

The Census Bureau provides data on ancestry from the following sources:

• The American Community Survey (ACS) 1-year estimates provide the most current ancestry data available for the U.S., states, and geographic areas of 65,000 or more population.  The ACS 3-year estimates provide data for all geographic areas of 20,000 or more population.
• Decennial censuses:  2000, 1990, and 1980 ancestry data are avalable, including census briefs and tables for the U.S. and states.  You can also access 2000 ancestry tables for all geographic areas using American FactFinder.  Both 1990 and 1980 can be accessed from the historical decennial census reports.  Data on ancestry was first collected in the 1980 census.

submit a request or question notify me

Please see the Consolidated Federal Funds Report (CFFR). 

• Under "Years Available," choose a fiscal year.
• Under "Search," choose Agency or Program if you are interested in expenditures of a particular agency or program.
• Click Submit.

submit a request or question notify me

Mean income is the amount obtained by dividing the total income of a particular statistical universe by the number of units in that universe. Thus, mean household income is obtained by dividing total household income by the total number of households. For the various types of income, the means are based on households having those types of income.

Median income divides the income distribution into two equal groups, one having incomes above the median, and other having incomes below the median.

These definitions can be found in the American FactFinder Glossary (top of the page) and click on "M."

submit a request or question notify me

The United States Code, Title 13, regarding confidentiality, prohibits the Census Bureau from releasing company specific information. However, you can find information on various companies from online sources such as –

• Thomas Register (http://www.thomasregister.com )
• Dunn and Bradstreet (http://www.dnb.com/US/ ) 

This page contains one or more links, denoted by this symbol , which are not part of the Census Bureau Web site and do not imply endorsement of any particular product, company, or content.

submit a request or question notify me

There are several online resources that are useful in associating street addresses to census tracts. The census tract street locator and the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council's (http://www.ffiec.gov/geocode/default.htm) Web site are the most popular.

If you want to look at a map to verify the location of the address, go to the Address Locator (lower left) on the American Factfinder, type your address, highlight "Census Tract" from the geographic option menu and select "Map It." 

We also sell the wall size census tract printed maps. Contact the Customer Services Center at 1-800-923-8282 or (301) 763-INFO (4636) to order these products. Additionally, all the PDF census tract outline maps are available on our Internet site.

submit a request or question notify me

The metropolitan area (typically a core area such as a central city along with the counties economically and socially connected to it) has long been a popular geographic unit of analysis, and the Census Bureau has long released extensive statistics for these areas.

Determined by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the definitions themselves list the core areas and the components of the metro areas; the OMB constantly updates the definitions. (In December 2005, the agency issued its latest revisions at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/bulletins/fy2006/b06-01.pdf.). Questions concerning the standards by which these areas are defined should be directed to OMB's communications office at: (202) 395-7254.

Users interested in metro data have several options:

• The most recent data for these areas are the July 1, 2007 population estimates for areas and their components (definitions as of November 2004). Your first look at other kinds of population and housing data for these areas will come in summer 2006, with the release of the 2005 data from the American Community Survey.
• Our 2002 Economic Census state reports use the new definitions; these data are available in The American FactFinder  and on the economic census pages. Building permit data are issued monthly for metro areas, again reflecting the new (December 2003) definitions.
• For extensive population and housing data for metro areas, don't overlook the Census 2000 Summary Files (SF 1-complete count) and (SF 3-sample data), which have extensive statistics for metro areas as they were defined in 1999, and the American Community Survey, which contains more recent data also using the 1999 definitions. Both the Census 2000 files and the American Community Survey files are available in the American FactFinder.

To keep up with metro area data, check out the metropolitan area page on the Census Bureau's Web site.

submit a request or question notify me

Use a pen with blue or black ink, or a #2 pencil. For more information on how to respond or get help with your form, visit the About the Survey on the ACS website.

submit a request or question notify me

1. The census tract number for an address can be located by first clicking on the Population Finder, Fact Sheet, People, Housing, or Business and Government links located on the left navigation menu on the American FactFinder main page.

• Click on the 'search by address' link located in the geography selection box.
• Enter the address information and click Go.
• The results links, shown to the left of the geography selection box, show the geographic areas in which the address is located.
• Click on the link showing the Census Tract number to view data for the census tract.
• By using your browser back button you can navigate to different data tables and maps and retain the selected geography.

2. Click on the street address link in the Address Search box located on the lower left side of the American FactFinder main page.

• Select a Year and Program. For census tract, block group, and block information select Census 2000.
• Enter the street address, city, state, and ZIP code into the appropriate areas and click Go.
• The results returned show the names of all the geographic areas where the address is located (e.g., place, county, voting district, congressional district, etc.).
• Highlight a geography in the list and choose Map It to view a reference map of the selected geography or click Ok and American FactFinder will search for tables and maps associated with the geography selection.

If the AFF street address search provides no results, use the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC)   site. This site is the official source for census tract numbers for the Census 2000.

This page contains one or more links, denoted by this symbol , which are not part of the Census Bureau Web site and do not imply endorsement of any particular product, company, or content.

submit a request or question notify me

Send your completed questionnaire to:

Director
U.S. Census Bureau
P.O. Box 5240
Jeffersonville, IN 47199-5240

Thank you for responding.

Additionally, our Are You in a Survey page provides some general guidance on issues pertaining to those participants who fall within either a business or household census or survey.

submit a request or question notify me

You cannot think only of "restricted countries" because some of our export controls apply worldwide. Where you may or may not ship your goods varies with each transaction and depends on the nature of the goods, the identity of the proposed recipient of the goods, and the activity or activities in which the recipient is involved. You must determine that information before you can decide whether you need an export license.

In some situations, the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) requires an export license for shipments to any country in the world (even Canada, in rare circumstances). Part 746 of the EAR lists countries that are subject to embargoes or other special controls. 

For more information on the restricted countries, contact the Office of Foreign Asset and Controls at (202) 622-2490.

submit a request or question notify me

ZIP Code Data for the Nation from the Download Center:

• The Download Center in American FactFinder allows users to download 5–digit ZCTAs from Summary File 1 and Summary File 3 for all ZIP Code Tabulation Areas in the United States.
• Download all tables in the Data Set in summary file format or select up to 50 tables to download in a comma–delimited format.

• Select "Population Finder" on the left navigation menu on the American FactFinder main page.
  • Enter a "ZIP Code" in the box at the top of the page.
  • Click "Go" to view population information for a ZIP Code.
  • For more data on your ZIP Code, click the "Fact Sheet" link under "View More Results."
• Select "Fact Sheet" on the left navigation menu on the AFF main page.
  • Enter the "ZIP Code" in the box at the top of the page and click "Go."
• Note: The Fact Sheet for race, ethnic origin, or ancestry is not available for ZIP Codes.
• Tables and maps accessed through the topics on the Census 2000 People and Housing pages are also available for a single ZIP Code Tabulation Area (ZCTAs).

ZIP Code Data from Decennial Data Sets 

• Census 2000 – Summary Files 1 (SF 1) and 3 (SF 3) are the only data sets with ZIP Code data.
  • Select the "Data Sets" button on the left navigation menu on the American FactFinder main page.
  • Select "Decennial Census" as the data set. Decennial Census is the default data set selection.
  • Select a data set "summary file" and "detailed tables" from the menu to the right of the data set name.
  • To select the geography, select the geographic type "5–digit ZIP Code Tabulation Area" from the drop down menu followed by "3–digit ZCTA" from the next menu.
  • Select one or more "5–digit ZCTAs" that begin with the 3–digit ZCTA specified.
  • Click the "Add" button. If additional ZCTAs are needed, go back and select and add other 3–digit ZCTAs and their related 5–digit ZCTAs, up to a limit of 7,000 ZCTAs in all.
  • Click the "Next" button when you have finished your selections.
  • Select one or more data tables from the list shown on the select tables page (or use one of the Search methods to find your tables), click the "Add" button, followed by the "Show Result" button.

Note: The results from Census 2000 include ZCTAs that are approximations of ZIP Codes that follow the census block boundaries. A ZCTA is determined by taking a census block and determining which ZIP Code occurs most frequently within that census block. It is assigned a three–digit and five–digit ZCTA based on this information. American FactFinder has data at the three–digit and five–digit level for standard residential ZIP Codes.

• 1990 Census – Summary Tape File (STF) 3 is the only file that contains ZIP Code data.
  • Select the "1990 Census" tab on the Decennial Census "Data Sets" page.
  • Select STF 3 and "detailed tables" from the menu to the right of the data set name.
  • To select the geography, click on the link on the top left side of the page, "Show all geography types."
  • Scroll down the list and select "ZIP Code or part."
  • Select a "State," followed by a "County" and finally select the "5–digit ZIP Codes" that you need.
  • Add the "5–digit ZIP Codes" to the selection box and click "Next."
  • Select one or more data tables from the list shown on the select tables page, click the "Add" button, followed by the "Show Result" button.

Note: ZIP Codes do not respect political or census statistical area boundaries. ZIP Codes usually do not have clearly identifiable boundaries, often serve a continually changing area, are changed periodically to meet postal requirements, and do not cover all the land area of the United States. ZIP Codes are identified by five–digit codes assigned by the United States Postal Service (USPS). The first three digits identify a major city or sectional distribution center, and the last two digits generally signify a specific post office's delivery area or point. For the 1990 census, ZIP Code data are tabulated for the five–digit codes in STF 3B.

submit a request or question notify me

All products sold through the Customer Services Center are custom products. Since these require special production, returns are not accepted and there is no refund of money. For products sold by other Census Bureau sellers, please contact them directly for their procedures for product returns.

If you find that the product you ordered is different than expected or is defective, please call 1-800-923-8282 or (301) 763-INFO (4636). The Census Bureau's Customer Services Center will make every effort to replace it. For products sold by other Census Bureau sellers, please contact them directly for their procedures for product returns.

submit a request or question notify me

The Census Bureau (in addition to other agencies and organizations) publishes considerable data on teachers. Consider the following sources:

• The Census Bureau provides estimates in the annual data of the American Community Survey (available through the American FactFinder). We also publish some data on teachers based on the Current Population Survey (for example, occupation by income). We do not, however, show a breakdown on public and private schools.
  
  
• Census 2000 data on teachers are in Summary File 4 (available through the American FactFinder) and in the Census 2000 EEO Special Tabulation (no breakdown on public and private schools). Summary File 4 (SF 4) is particularly useful in that it provides data for various kinds of areas down to the level of census tracts; both SF 4 and the EEO Special Tabulation have detailed breakdowns by race and Hispanic origin (no public/private school breakdown).
  
  
• Check the "Education" section of the Census Bureau's Statistical Abstract of the United States.
  
  
• The place to look for a breakdown on public and private school teachers is the National Center of Education Statistics (NCES).
  
  
• The National Education Association (NEA) at http://www.nea.org/  is another source for statistics about teachers. 

This page contains one or more links, denoted by this symbol , which are not part of the Census Bureau Web site and do not imply endorsement of any particular product, company, or content.

submit a request or question notify me

The Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) is issued by the Bureau of Export Administration (BXA) for shipments that require an export license. For questions about ECCNs and license codes, contact the BXA at  (202) 482-4811or (202) 482-2642.

submit a request or question notify me