Data Dictionary: ACS 2010 (3-Year Estimates)
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Survey: ACS 2010 (3-Year Estimates)
Data Source:U.S. Census Bureau
Survey Details
ACS 2010 (3-Year Estimates)
Distinguishing features of ACS 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year estimates
1-year estimates3-year estimates5-year estimates
12 months of collected data36 months of collected data60 months of collected data
Data for areas with populations of 65,000+Data for areas with populations of 20,000+Data for all areas
Smallest sample sizeLarger sample size than 1-yearLargest sample size
Less reliable than 3-year or 5-yearMore reliable than 1-year; less reliable than 5-yearMost reliable
Most current dataLess current than 1-year estimates; More current than 5-yearLeast current
Best used whenBest used whenBest used when

Currency Is More important than precision

Analyzing large populations

More precise than 1-year, More current than 5-year

Analyzing smaller populations

Examining smaller geographies because 1-year estimates are not available

Precision Is More important than currency

Analyzing very small populations

Examining tracts and other smaller geographies because 1-year estimates are not available

Documentation
ACS 2010 3-Year Summary File: Technical Documentation
Social Explorer; U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey 2008-2010 Summary File: Technical Documentation.
Design and Methodology: American Community Survey
Glossary of Terms
Glossary of Basic Geographic and Related Terms - Census 2000
Social Explorer; U.S. Census Bureau; Design and Methodology, American Community Survey. U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC, 2009.
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