The U.S. Census Bureau has released 5-year American Community Survey (ACS) estimates. The release makes available social, economic, housing and demographic statistics for every community in the nation and “represents the first time such a massive compilation of data estimates for small geographic areas is available.” The ACS estimates are based on a sample survey of the nation, mailed to about 3 million addresses between Jan. 1, 2005, and Dec. 31, 2009, and are intended to describe the characteristics of the U.S. population rather than provide population counts. The U. S. Census Bureau will release a new set of 5-year estimates every year, giving these communities a powerful tool to track local trends over time. Read More…