Population demographics such as population density can show where individuals choose to locate—often following broader economic pressures—or where geographic characteristics might allow for urban expansion. Similarly, median age can serve as a useful indication of the economic characteristics of communities: young adults often migrate to places that offer economic opportunity, while areas with less vibrant economies often experience the negative consequences of out-migration.

The American Community Survey (ACS) is a national, publicly available survey provided by the U.S. Census Bureau that collects information about population, education, housing, economic status, and more. Planners, public officials, entrepreneurs, and researchers rely on the data collected through this survey to help understand community conditions and to support community planning efforts.

Learn more and access this data:

• U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey | http://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/
• U.S. Census Bureau, American FactFinder | http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/index.xhtml