The American Community Survey is an ongoing survey that produces detailed data releases on a regular basis. It replaces the Decennial Census "long form" in an effort to provide communities with more timely data on how they are changing, thereby equipping them with the information they need to best respond to these changes. Because ACS results are derived from relatively small sample sizes, we recommend that the data be viewed as percentages and that analysis focuses on relative comparisons rather than actual numbers. For actual population and housing totals, we recommend using the Population Estimates shown above, or waiting for the 2010 Census data to become available in early 2011.

The ACS:

• is sent to a small percentage of our population on a rotating basis;
• helps determine how more than $300 billion per year is distributed; and
• informs decisions on policies, programs, and services for communities.  

The benefit of the ACS is that we now have annual estimates for detailed variables including education, commuting, and employment by both place of residence and place of work, rather than having to wait for every 10 years. This is accomplished through smaller sample sizes, and different data collection methods and statistical techniques used to develop multi-year estimates. Due to changes in methodology and survey techniques, caution needs to be exercised when comparing ACS results with data from the Decennial Census.

When using ACS data, it is important to understand some key concepts about the sample size, comparability between years, and margins of error. For a description of these concepts and more, please visit the ACS website. For a handbook with all the basics on understanding how to use ACS data, reference "What General Data Users Need to Know". MRCOG recommends the following tips when using the data; (1) Use the Census Bureau's Population Estimates or the Decennial Census, not ACS data, as the source for population, age and race statistics whenever possible, (2) Use ACS proportions rather than the actual numbers, and (3) Always consider the margins of error when using ACS data, particularly for smaller geographies.

Instructions

Each Excel icon leads to an excel spreadsheet with 4 tabs at the bottom revealing several different profiles; demographic, social, economic, and housing. Click on each tab to see each profile. Each PDF icon contains the same profiles. You may need to scroll down to view your desired profile.

5 Year Estimates

 Click here to view a table that displays some select detailed characteristics for incorporated and census designated places (CDP's) within Bernalillo, Sandoval, Torrance, Valencia and Santa Fe Counties.

County & Place	2006 - 2010 Detailed Profiles	2005 - 2009 Detailed Profiles	2005-2009 Commuting Characteristics
Bernalillo
Albuquerque
Los Ranchos de Albuquerque
Tijeras
Sandoval
Bernalillo
Corrales
Cuba
Jemez Springs
Rio Rancho
San Ysidro
Torrance
Encino
Estancia
Moriarty
Mountainair
Willard
Valencia
Belen
Peralta
Bosque Farms
Los Lunas
Santa Fe
Edgewood

Click here for frequently asked questions about using the above data.

Three Year Estimates

Bernalillo County Profile	2008-2010	2007-2009	2006-2008	2005-2007
Sandoval County Profile	2008-2010	2007-2009	2006-2008	2005-2007
Valencia County Profile	2008-2010	2007-2009	2006-2008	2005-2007
Albuquerque Profile	2008-2010	2007-2009	2006-2008	2005-2007
Rio Rancho Profile	2008-2010	2007-2009	2006-2008	2005-2007
South Valley Profile	2008-2010	2007-2009	2006-2008	2005-2007

One Year Estimates

Bernalillo County Profile	2010	2009	2008	2007	2006	2005
Sandoval County Profile	2010	2009	2008	2007	2006	2005
Valencia County Profile	2010	2009	2008	2007	2006	2005
Albuquerque Profile	2010	2009	2008	2007	2006	2005
Rio Rancho Profile	2010	2009	2008	2007	2006	2005

MRCOG has created three profiles using ACS data that highlight some select statistics for the region:

•  Commuting to Work: 2010
•  Residential Mobility: 2010 (coming soon)
•  Housing Characteristics: 2010 (coming soon)