The Wait Is Over—ACS Data for Areas with Populations of 20,000 or More

In December 2008, the Census Bureau released the first-ever American Community Survey three-year estimates (this set covers the 2005-2007 time period) for areas with at least 20,000 people. Prior to this, the only ACS data available were for areas meeting a population threshold of 65,000. Table 1 shows the geographic coverage differences between the single-year and three-year estimates for counties, townships, places and school corporations in Indiana.

Table 1: Number of Covered Areas in Indiana by Selected Geography Types for One-Year and Three-Year Estimates

Seventy-two Hoosier counties have three-year estimates at their disposal (see Figure 1). The 25 counties meeting the 65,000 population threshold have both single-year and three-year estimates. Twenty counties (those with fewer than 20,000 people) will have to wait until 2010 for the release of the five-year estimates.

Figure 1: Indiana Counties with Three-Year Estimates Available, 2005 to 2007

Table 2 provides a detailed list of the numerous other geographies in Indiana that meet the population threshold and have three-year estimates available (see Table 2).

Table 2: Indiana Geographies Meeting Population Threshold with Available Three-Year Estimates, 2005 to 2007

Here are some things you should know when using this new dataset.

Rachel Justis, Managing Editor
Indiana Business Research Center, Kelley School of Business, Indiana University