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Data Sources

CensusDepth aggregates data from the U.S. Census Bureau and other federal agencies. All data is sourced via official public APIs and bulk downloads. We do not alter underlying estimates — we only normalize, format, and present them.

American Community Survey — 5-Year Estimates

U.S. Census Bureau · Updated annually each December

The ACS 5-year estimates are CensusDepth's primary data source. They cover all geographies including small towns, ZIP codes, and census tracts, and represent data collected over a 5-year period for greater statistical reliability.

Vintages on this site: 2019, 2021, 2023
Covers: demographics, income, poverty, housing, education, employment, commuting, social characteristics

American Community Survey — 1-Year Estimates

U.S. Census Bureau · Updated annually

The ACS 1-year estimates are more current but only available for geographies with populations of 65,000 or more. Where shown, 1-year data is labeled clearly.

Vintage on this site: 2023

Decennial Census

U.S. Census Bureau · Every 10 years

The Decennial Census is a 100% population count (not a sample), making it more accurate than the ACS for small areas. We use the 2020 P.L. 94-171 redistricting dataset for race and ethnicity breakdowns.

Vintage on this site: 2020

Population Estimates Program (PEP)

U.S. Census Bureau · Updated annually

PEP provides the most current population estimates between decennial censuses. Population figures shown on geography profiles come from PEP rather than ACS.

Vintage on this site: 2024

Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (SAIPE)

U.S. Census Bureau · Updated annually

SAIPE provides more current poverty and income estimates at the county level than the ACS 5-year. Used for poverty rate and median household income on county profiles where recency matters.

Vintage on this site: 2023 · Geographies: state, county

Small Area Health Insurance Estimates (SAHIE)

U.S. Census Bureau · Updated annually

SAHIE provides current health insurance coverage estimates at the county level. Used to supplement ACS health insurance data where timeliness matters.

Vintage on this site: 2022 · Geographies: state, county

County Business Patterns (CBP)

U.S. Census Bureau · Updated annually

CBP provides annual data on establishments, employment, and payroll by NAICS sector at the county level. Useful for understanding the local business ecosystem.

Vintage on this site: 2022 · Geographies: county

Note on margins of error: ACS estimates are based on surveys and carry margins of error (MOE). For small geographies like ZIP codes and census tracts, MOEs can be significant. Where relevant, we display MOE alongside estimates so you can assess data reliability.