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The ACS is an ongoing sample survey which began in 2005. It goes to approximately 3% of households a year, as compared to the decennial census long form which went to 20% of households once every 10 years. The ACS also covers more topics than the decennial census.
Questions asked cover:
• Age
• Sex
• Race
• Family and Relationships
• Income and Benefits
• Health Insurance
• Education
• Veteran Status
• Disabilities
• Where You Work and How You Get There
• Where You Live and How Much You Pay for Some Essentials
• "Other Topics" related to people, households, families and housing
Census 2010 was taken using only of a 'short form', consisting of basic questions about age, sex, race, Hispanic origin, household relationship, and owner/renter status. The American Community Survey (ACS), a new Census Bureau survey, has been designed to replace the Decennial Census 'long form' beginning in 2010 and to provide demographic, housing, social, and economic data every year for the U.S., states, and local areas. ACS data for all geographical areas down to Block Group are now available.