Promises, Prospects, and Problems with the American Community Survey

George C. Hough, Portland State University

The American Community Survey (ACS) promises to meet 21st Century demographic data needs by providing accurate and timely information throughout the decade for local areas; a video of your community. Current prospects regarding research on the ACS look hopeful. However, methodological and political issues loom large if the ACS is to fulfill its promises. The ACS represents a potential replacement for the census long form. There is debate over the merits of ACS versus census data. Proponents argue ACS data would be more current and accurate than data collected ten years earlier. Skeptics are concerned large sampling errors for small areas may render the ACS estimates virtually useless. This paper assesses the capability of ACS to provide small area data comparable in quality to Census 2000. Examples from Multnomah County, Oregon highlight the promises, prospects, and problems associated with current ACS data and offer direction for future developments.