Census Bureau Refreshes Major Household Data Collection
Published Date: 5/14/2026
Notice
Summary
The Census Bureau is asking for approval to keep running the American Community Survey (ACS) and Puerto Rico Community Survey (PRCS), which help gather important info about millions of households and group living places. They’re making some updates to the forms and methods but keeping the same big picture. This affects over 3.7 million people and invites the public to comment before final approval, with no major cost changes expected.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
ACS/PRCS Continues; Mandatory Response
The American Community Survey (ACS) and Puerto Rico Community Survey (PRCS) will continue as mandatory monthly surveys. The notice estimates a total of 3,779,077 respondents and an annual average of 2,459,195 burden hours; the average household questionnaire takes about 40 minutes to complete.
PRCS Adds Internet Self-Response Option (2027)
Beginning in 2027, the Puerto Rico Community Survey (PRCS) will offer an internet self-response option for households and certain group quarters in Puerto Rico (including college/university student housing, group homes, military barracks, workers' group living quarters, and emergency and transitional shelters).
Nonresponse Follow-Up May Include Phone or In‑Person Contact
If sampled addresses do not respond by mail, internet, or phone, the Census Bureau may select them for nonresponse follow-up. Follow-up interviews can be collected by trained interviewers via telephone or personal visit using computer-assisted interviewing.
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