Data Dictionary - ACS 2010 (1-Year Estimates) - American Community Survey 2010

Data Dictionary:

ACS 2010 (1-Year Estimates)

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Survey: ACS 2010 (1-Year Estimates)

Data Source:

U.S. Census Bureau

Data set: American Community Survey 2010 (ACS10)

Table:

B99121. Imputation of Marital Status for the Population 15 Years and Over [3]

Universe: Universe: Population 15 years and Over

Table Details

B99121.

Imputation of Marital Status for the Population 15 Years and Over

Universe: Universe: Population 15 years and Over

Variable	Label
B99121001	Total
B99121002	Imputed
B99121003	Not Imputed

Relevant Documentation:

Excerpt from:	Social Explorer; U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey 2010 Summary File: Technical Documentation.
	ACS 2010-1yr Summary File: Technical Documentation -> Appendix A. Supplemental Documentation -> 2010 Subject Definitions -> Quality Measures -> Imputation Rates

Imputation Rates

Missing data for a particular question or item is called item nonresponse. It occurs when a respondent fails to provide an answer to a required item. The ACS also considers invalid answers as item nonresponse. The Census Bureau uses imputation methods that either use rules to determine acceptable answers or use answers from similar housing units or people who provided the item information. One type of imputation, allocation, involves using statistical procedures, such as within-household or nearest neighbor matrices populated by donors, to impute for missing values.

Overall Person Characteristic Imputation Rate

This rate is calculated by adding together the weighted number of allocated items across a set of person characteristics, and dividing by the total weighted number of responses across the same set of characteristics.

Overall Housing Characteristic Imputation Rate

This rate is calculated by adding together the weighted number of allocated items across a set of household and housing unit characteristics, and dividing by the total weighted number of responses across the same set of characteristics.
These rates give an overall picture of the rate of item nonresponse for a geographic area.

Appendix A. Field of Degree Classification

Five-Group Classification	Fifteen-Group Classification	Examples
Science and Engineering	Computers, Mathematics and Statistics	Computer Science, Mathematics, General Statistics
	Biological, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences	Cellular and Molecular Biology, Soil Sciences, Natural Resource Management
	Physical and Related Sciences	Physics, Organic chemistry, Astronomy
	Psychology	Psychology, Counseling, Child psychology
	Social Sciences	Criminology, Sociology, Political Science
	Engineering	Chemical Engineering, Thermal engineering, Electrical engineering
	Multidisciplinary Studies	Nutritional science, Cognitive science, Behavioral science
Science and Engineering Related	Science and Engineering Related	Pre-Med, Physical therapy, Mechanical engineering technology
Business	Business	Business administration, Accounting, Human resources development
Education	Education	Early childhood education, Higher education administration, Special education
Arts, Humanities, and Other	Literature and Languages	English, Foreign language and literature, Spanish
	Liberal Arts and History	Philosophy, Theology, American history
	Visual and Performing Arts	Interior design, Dance, Voice
	Communications	Mass communications, Journalism, Public relations
	Other	Public Administration, Pre-law, Kinesiology

Four Main Group Classifications and Thirty-Nine Subgroup Classifications of Languages Spoken at Home with Illustrative Examples

Four Main Group Classifications	Thirty-Nine Subgroup Classifications
Spanish	Spanish or Spanish Creole Examples: Ladino, Pachuco
Other Indo-European languages	French
	Examples: Cajun, Patois
	French Creole
	Examples: Haitian Creole
	Italian
	Portuguese or Portuguese Creole Examples: Papia Mentae
	German
	Example: Luxembourgian
	Yiddish
	Other West Germanic languages
	Examples: Dutch, Pennsylvania Dutch, Afrikaans
	Scandinavian languages
	Examples: Danish, Norwegian, Swedish
	Greek
	Russian
	Polish
	Serbo-Croatian
	Examples: Croatian, Serbian
	Other Slavic languages
	Examples: Czech, Slovak, Ukrainian
	Armenian
	Persian
	Gujarati
	Hindi
	Urdu
	Other Indic languages
	Examples: Bengali, Marathi, Punjabi, Romany
	Other Indo-European languages
	Examples: Albanian, Gaelic, Lithuanian, Romanian
Asian and Pacific Island languages	Chinese
	Examples: Cantonese, Formosan, Mandarin
	Japanese
	Korean
	Mon-Khmer, Cambodian
	Hmong
	Thai
	Laotian
	Vietnamese
	Other Asian languages
	Examples: Dravidian languages (Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil), Turkish
	Tagalog
	Other Pacific Island languages
	Examples: Chamorro, Hawaiian, Ilocano, Indonesian, Samoan
All other languages	Navajo
	Other Native North American languages
	Examples: Apache, Cherokee, Dakota, Pima, Yupik
	Hungarian
	Arabic
	Hebrew
	African languages
	Examples: Amharic, Ibo, Yoruba, Bantu, Swahili, Somali
	Other and unspecified languages
	Examples: Syriac, Finnish, Other languages of the Americas, not reported

Poverty Factors and Thresholds

The 2010 Poverty Factors:

Interview Month	Poverty Factors
January	2.22296
February	2.22775
March	2.23167
April	2.23592
May	2.24004
June	2.24377
July	2.24574
August	2.24803
September	2.25017
October	2.25231
November	2.25449
December	2.25663

Poverty Thresholds in 1982, by Size of Family and Number of Related Children Under 18 Years Old (Dollars)

Size of family unit	Related children under 18 years
	None	One	Two	Three	Four	Five	Six	Seven	Eight or more
One person (unrelated individual)
Under 65 years	5,019
65 years and over	4,626
Two persons
Householder under 65 years	6,459	6,649
Householder 65 years and over	5,831	6,624
Three persons	7,546	7,765	7,772
Four persons	9,950	10,112	9,783	9,817
Five persons	11,999	12,173	11,801	11,512	11,336
Six persons	13,801	13,855	13,570	13,296	12,890	12,649
Seven persons	15,879	15,979	15,637	15,399	14,955	14,437	13,869
Eight persons or more	17,760	17,917	17,594	17,312	16,911	16,403	15,872	15,738
Nine persons or more	21,364	21,468	21,183	20,943	20,549	20,008	19,517	19,397	18,649

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Race Combination and Median Standard Distribution

Two or More Races (57 Possible Specified Combinations)

White; Black or African American
White; American Indian and Alaska Native
White; Asian
White; Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
White; Some other race
Black or African American; American Indian and Alaska Native
Black or African American; Asian
Black or African American; Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
Black or African American; Some other race
American Indian and Alaska Native; Asian
American Indian and Alaska Native; Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
American Indian and Alaska Native; Some other race
Asian; Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
Asian; Some other race
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander; Some other race
White; Black or African American; American Indian and Alaska Native
White; Black or African American; Asian
White; Black or African American; Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
White; Black or African American; Some other race
White; American Indian and Alaska Native; Asian
White; American Indian and Alaska Native; Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
White; American Indian and Alaska Native; Some other race
White; Asian; Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
White; Asian; Some other race
White; Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander; Some other race
Black or African American; American Indian and Alaska Native; Asian
Black or African American; American Indian and Alaska Native; Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
Black or African American; American Indian and Alaska Native; Some other race
Black or African American; Asian; Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
Black or African American; Asian; Some other race
Black or African American; Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander; Some other race
American Indian and Alaska Native; Asian; Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
American Indian and Alaska Native; Asian; Some other race
American Indian and Alaska Native; Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander; Some other race
Asian; Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander; Some other race
White; Black or African American; American Indian and Alaska Native; Asian
White; Black or African American; American Indian and Alaska Native; Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
White; Black or African American; American Indian and Alaska Native; Some other race
White; Black or African American; Asian; Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
White; Black or African American; Asian; Some other race
White; Black or African American; Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander; Some other race
White; American Indian and Alaska Native; Asian; Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
White; American Indian and Alaska Native; Asian; Some other race
White; American Indian and Alaska Native; Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander; Some other race
White; Asian; Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander; Some other race
Black or African American; American Indian and Alaska Native; Asian; Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
Black or African American; American Indian and Alaska Native; Asian; Some other race
Black or African American; American Indian and Alaska Native; Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander; Some other race
Black or African American; Asian; Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander; Some other race
American Indian and Alaska Native; Asian; Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander; Some other race
White; Black or African American; American Indian and Alaska Native; Asian; Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
White; Black or African American; American Indian and Alaska Native; Asian; Some other race
White; Black or African American; American Indian and Alaska Native; Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander; Some other race
White; Black or African American; Asian; Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander; Some other race
White; American Indian and Alaska Native; Asian; Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander; Some other race
Black or African American; American Indian and Alaska Native; Asian; Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander; Some other race
White; Black or African American; American Indian and Alaska Native; Asian; Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander; Some other race

Median Standard Distributions

In order to provide consistency in the values within and among data products, standard distributions from which medians and quartiles are calculated are used for the American Community Survey. Standard Distribution for Median Age:

[116 data cells]
Under 1 year
1 year
2 years
3 years
4 years
5 years
.
.
.
112 years
113 years
114 years
115 years and over
Standard Distribution for Median Age at First Marriage:
[9 cells]
5 to 9 years
10 to 14 years
15 to 19 years
20 to 24 years
25 to 29 years
30 to 34 years
35 to 39 years
40 to 44 years
45 to 49 years
Standard Distribution for Median Agricultural Crop Sales:
[5 data cells]
Less than $1,000
$1,000 to $2,499
$2,500 to $4,999
$5,000 to $9,999
$10,000 or more

Standard Distribution for Median Bedrooms:
[9 data cells]
No bedroom
1 bedroom
2 bedrooms
3 bedrooms
4 bedrooms
5 bedrooms
6 bedrooms
7 bedrooms
8 or more bedrooms
Standard Distribution for Median Condominium Fees:
[15 data cells]
Less than $50
$50 to $99
$100 to $199
$200 to $299
$300 to $399
$400 to $499
$500 to $599
$600 to $699
$700 to $799
$800 to $899
$900 to $999
$1,000 to $1,249
$1,250 to $1,499
$1,500 to $1,749
$1,750 or more
Standard Distribution for Median Contract Rent/Quartile Contract Rent/Rent Asked/Gross Rent:
[23 data cells]
Less than $100
$100 to $149
$150 to $199
$200 to $249
$250 to $299
$300 to $349
$350 to $399
$400 to $449
$450 to $499
$500 to $549
$550 to $599
$600 to $649
$650 to $699
$700 to $749
$750 to $799
$800 to $899
$900 to $999
$1,000 to $1,249
$1,250 to $1,499
$1,500 to $1,999
$2,000 to $2,499
$2,500 to $2,999
$3,000 or more
Standard Distribution for Duration of Current Marriage:
[101 data cells]
Under 1 year
1 year
2 years
3 years
4 years
5 years
.
.
.
97 years
98 years
99 years
100 years and over
Standard Distribution for Median Earnings and Median Income (Individuals):
[101 data cells]
Less than $2,500
$2,500 to $4,999
$5,000 to $7,499
$7,500 to $9,999
$10,000 to $12,499
$12,500 to $14,999
$15,000 to $17,499
$17,500 to $19,999
$20,000 to $22,499
$22,500 to $24,999
$500 to $549
$550 to $599
$600 to $649
$650 to $699
$700 to $749
$750 to $799
$800 to $899
$900 to $999
$1,000 to $1,249
$1,250 to $1,499
$1,500 to $1,999
$2,000 to $2,499
$2,500 to $2,999
$3,000 or more
Standard Distribution for Duration of Current Marriage:
[101 data cells]
Under 1 year
1 year
2 years
3 years
4 years
5 years
.
.
.
97 years
98 years
99 years
100 years and over
Standard Distribution for Median Earnings and Median Income (Individuals):
[101 data cells]
Less than $2,500
$2,500 to $4,999
$5,000 to $7,499
$7,500 to $9,999
$10,000 to $12,499
$12,500 to $14,999
$15,000 to $17,499
$17,500 to $19,999
$20,000 to $22,499
$22,500 to $24,999
$140,000 to $142,499
$142,500 to $144,999
$145,000 to $147,499
$147,500 to $149,999
$150,000 to $152,499
$152,500 to $154,999
$155,000 to $157,499
$157,500 to $159,999
$160,000 to $162,499
$162,500 to $164,999
$165,000 to $167,499
$167,500 to $169,999
$170,000 to $172,499
$172,500 to $174,999
$175,000 to $177,499
$177,500 to $179,999
$180,000 to $182,499
$182,500 to $184,999
$185,000 to $187,499
$187,500 to $189,999
$190,000 to $192,499
$192,500 to $194,999
$195,000 to $197,499
$197,500 to $199,999
$200,000 to $202,499
$202,500 to $204,999
$205,000 to $207,499
$207,500 to $209,999
$210,000 to $212,499
$212,500 to $214,999
$215,000 to $217,499
$217,500 to $219,999
$220,000 to $222,499
$222,500 to $224,999
$225,000 to $227,499
$227,500 to $229,999
$230,000 to $232,499
$232,500 to $234,999
$235,000 to $237,499
$237,500 to $239,999
$240,000 to $242,499
$242,500 to $244,999
$245,000 to $247,499
$247,500 to $249,999
$250,000 or more
$140,000 to $142,499
$142,500 to $144,999
$145,000 to $147,499
$147,500 to $149,999
$150,000 to $152,499
$152,500 to $154,999
$155,000 to $157,499
$157,500 to $159,999
$160,000 to $162,499
$162,500 to $164,999
$165,000 to $167,499
$167,500 to $169,999
$170,000 to $172,499
$172,500 to $174,999
$175,000 to $177,499
$177,500 to $179,999
$180,000 to $182,499
$182,500 to $184,999
$185,000 to $187,499
$187,500 to $189,999
$190,000 to $192,499
$192,500 to $194,999
$195,000 to $197,499
$197,500 to $199,999
$200,000 to $202,499
$202,500 to $204,999
$205,000 to $207,499
$207,500 to $209,999
$210,000 to $212,499
$212,500 to $214,999
$215,000 to $217,499
$217,500 to $219,999
$220,000 to $222,499
$222,500 to $224,999
$225,000 to $227,499
$227,500 to $229,999
$230,000 to $232,499
$232,500 to $234,999
$235,000 to $237,499
$237,500 to $239,999
$240,000 to $242,499
$242,500 to $244,999
$245,000 to $247,499
$247,500 to $249,999
$250,000 or more
$5,000 to $7,499
$7,500 to $9,999
$10,000 to $12,499
$12,500 to $14,999
$15,000 to $17,499
$17,500 to $19,999
$20,000 to $22,499
$22,500 to $24,999
$25,000 to $27,499
$27,500 to $29,999
$30,000 to $32,499
$32,500 to $34,999
$35,000 to $37,499
$37,500 to $39,999
$40,000 to $42,499
$42,500 to $44,999
$45,000 to $47,499
$47,500 to $49,999
$50,000 to $52,499
$52,500 to $54,999
$55,000 to $57,499
$57,500 to $59,999
$60,000 to $62,499
$62,500 to $64,999
$65,000 to $67,499
$67,500 to $69,999
$70,000 to $72,499
$72,500 to $74,999
$75,000 to $77,499
$77,500 to $79,999
$80,000 to $82,499
$82,500 to $84,999
$85,000 to $87,499
$87,500 to $89,999
$90,000 to $92,499
$92,500 to $94,999
$95,000 to $97,499
$97,500 to $99,999
$100,000 to $102,499
$102,500 to $104,999
$105,000 to $107,499
$107,500 to $109,999
$110,000 to $112,499
$112,500 to $114,999
$115,000 to $117,499
$117,500 to $119,999
$120,000 to $122,499
$122,500 to $124,999
$125,000 to $127,499
$127,500 to $129,999
$130,000 to $132,499
$132,500 to $134,999
$135,000 to $137,499
$137,500 to $139,999
$140,000 to $142,499
$142,500 to $144,999
$145,000 to $147,499
$147,500 to $149,999
$150,000 to $152,499
$152,500 to $154,999
$155,000 to $157,499
$157,500 to $159,999
$160,000 to $162,499
$162,500 to $164,999
$165,000 to $167,499
$167,500 to $169,999
$170,000 to $172,499
$172,500 to $174,999
$175,000 to $177,499
$177,500 to $179,999
$180,000 to $182,499
$182,500 to $184,999
$185,000 to $187,499
$187,500 to $189,999
$190,000 to $192,499
$192,500 to $194,999
$195,000 to $197,499
$197,500 to $199,999
$200,000 to $202,499
$202,500 to $204,999
$205,000 to $207,499
$207,500 to $209,999
$210,000 to $212,499
$212,500 to $214,999
$215,000 to $217,499
$217,500 to $219,999
$220,000 to $222,499
$222,500 to $224,999
$225,000 to $227,499
$227,500 to $229,999
$230,000 to $232,499
$232,500 to $234,999
$235,000 to $237,499
$237,500 to $239,999
$240,000 to $242,499
$242,500 to $244,999
$245,000 to $247,499
$247,500 to $249,999
$250,000 or more
Standard Distribution for Median Monthly Housing Costs:
[30 cells]
Less than $100
$100 to $149
$150 to $199
$200 to $249
$250 to $299
$300 to $349
$350 to $399
$400 to $449
$450 to $499
$500 to $549
$550 to $599
$600 to $649
$650 to $699
$700 to $749
$750 to $799
$800 to $899
$900 to $999
$1,000 to $1,249
$1,250 to $1,499
$1,500 to $1,749
$1,750 to $1,999
$2,000 to $2,499
$2,500 to $2,999
$3,000 to $3,499
$3,500 to $3,999
$4,000 to $4,499
$4,500 to $4,999
$5,000 to $5,499
$5,500 to $5,999
$6,000 or more
Standard Distribution for Median Real Estate Taxes Paid:
[14 data cells]
Less than $200
$200 to $299
$300 to $399
$400 to $599
$600 to $799
$800 to $999
$1,000 to $1,499
$1,500 to $1,999
$2,000 to $2,999
$3,000 to $3,999
$4,000 to $4,999
$5,000 to $7,499
$7,500 to $9,999
$10,000 or more
Standard Distribution for Median Rooms:
[14 data cells]
1 room
2 rooms
3 rooms
4 rooms
5 rooms
6 rooms
7 rooms
8 rooms
9 rooms
10 rooms
11 rooms
12 rooms
13 rooms
14 or more rooms
Standard Distribution for Median Selected Monthly Owner Costs/Median Selected Monthly Owner Costs by Mortgage Status (With a Mortgage):
[23 data cells]
Less than $100
$100 to $199
$200 to $299
$300 to $399
$400 to $499
$500 to $599
$600 to $699
$700 to $799
$800 to $899
$900 to $999
$1,000 to $1,249
$1,250 to $1,499
$1,500 to $1,749
$1,750 to $1,999
$2,000 to $2,499
$2,500 to $2,999
$3,000 to $3,499
$3,500 to $3,999
$4,000 to $4,499
$4,500 to $4,999
$5,000 to $5,499
$5,500 to $5,999
$6,000 or more
Standard Distribution for Median Selected Monthly Owner Costs by Mortgage Status (Without a Mortgage):
[17 data cells]
Less than $100
$100 to $149
$150 to $199
$200 to $249
$250 to $299
$300 to $349
$350 to $399
$400 to $499
$500 to $599
$600 to $699
$700 to $799
$800 to $899
$900 to $999
$1,000 to $1,249
$1,250 to $1,499
$1,500 to $1,999
$2,000 or more
Standard Distribution for Median Selected Monthly Owner Costs as a Percentage of Household Income by Mortgage Status:
[13 data cells]
Less than 10.0 percent
10.0 to 14.9 percent
15.0 to 19.9 percent
20.0 to 24.9 percent
25.0 to 29.9 percent
30.0 to 34.9 percent
35.0 to 39.9 percent
40.0 to 49.9 percent
50.0 to 59.9 percent
60.0 to 69.9 percent
70.0 to 79.9 percent
80.0 to 89.9 percent
90.0 percent or more
Standard Distribution for Median Total Mortgage Payment:
[21 data cells]
Less than $100
$100 to $199
$200 to $299
$300 to $399
$400 to $499
$500 to $599
$600 to $699
$700 to $799
$800 to $899
$900 to $999
$1,000 to $1,249
$1,250 to $1,499
$1,500 to $1,749
$1,750 to $1,999
$2,000 to $2,499
$2,500 to $2,999
$3,000 to $3,499
$3,500 to $3,999
$4,000 to $4,499
$4,500 to $4,999
$5,000 or more
Standard Distribution for Median Usual Hours Worked Per Week Worked in the Past 12 Months:
[9 data cells]
Usually worked 50 to 99 hours per week
Usually worked 45 to 49 hours per week
Usually worked 41 to 44 hours per week
Usually worked 40 hours per week
Usually worked 35 to 39 hours per week
Usually worked 30 to 34 hours per week
Usually worked 25 to 29 hours per week
Usually worked 15 to 24 hours per week
Usually worked 1 to 14 hours per week
Standard Distribution for Median Value/Quartile Value/Price Asked:
[24 data cells]
Less than $10,000
$10,000 to $14,999
$15,000 to $19,999
$20,000 to $24,999
$25,000 to $29,999
$30,000 to $34,999
$35,000 to $39,999
$40,000 to $49,999
$50,000 to $59,999
$60,000 to $69,999
$70,000 to $79,999
$80,000 to $89,999
$90,000 to $99,999
$100,000 to $124,999
$125,000 to $149,999
$150,000 to $174,999
$175,000 to $199,999
$200,000 to $249,999
$250,000 to $299,999
$300,000 to $399,999
$400,000 to $499,999
$500,000 to $749,999
$750,000 to $999,999
$1,000,000 or more
Standard Distribution for Median Vehicles Available:
[6 data cells]
No vehicle available
1 vehicle available
2 vehicles available
3 vehicles available
4 vehicles available
5 or more vehicles available
Standard Distribution for Median Year Householder Moved Into Unit:
[13 data cells]
Moved in 2010
Moved in 2009
Moved in 2008
Moved in 2007
Moved in 2006
Moved in 2005
Moved in 2004
Moved in 2003
Moved in 2002
Moved in 2001
Moved in 2000
Moved in 1990 to 1999
Moved in 1980 to 1989
Moved in 1970 to 1979
Moved in 1969 or earlier
Standard Distribution for Median Year Structure Built:
[16 data cells]
Built in 2010
Built in 2009
Built in 2008
Built in 2007
Built in 2006
Built in 2005
Built in 2004
Built in 2003
Built in 2002
Built in 2001
Built in 2000
Built 1990 to 1999
Built 1980 to 1989
Built 1970 to 1979
Built 1960 to 1969
Built 1950 to 1959
Built 1940 to 1949
Built 1939 or earlier

Excerpt from:	Social Explorer; U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey 2010 Summary File: Technical Documentation.
	ACS 2010-1yr Summary File: Technical Documentation -> Appendix A. Supplemental Documentation -> 2010 Subject Definitions -> Population Variables -> Marital Status/Marital History

Marital Status/Marital History

The data on marital status and marital history were derived from answers to Questions 20 through 23. The marital status question is asked to determine the status of the person at the time of interview. Many government programs need accurate information on marital status, such as the number of married women in the labor force, elderly widowed individuals, or young single people who may establish homes of their own. The marital history data enables multiple agencies to more accurately measure the effects of federal and state policies and programs that focus on the well-being of families. Marital history data can provide estimates of marriage and divorce rates and duration, as well as flows into and out of marriage. This information is critical for more refined analyses of eligibility for program services and benefits, and of changes resulting from federal policies and programs.

Before 2008, the marital status question was asked of all people. Beginning in 2008, the question on marital status was asked only for people 15 years old and over. People 15 and over were asked whether they were "now married," "widowed," "divorced," "separated," or "never married." People in common-law marriages were allowed to report the marital status they considered the most appropriate. When marital status was not reported, it was imputed according to the person's relationship to the householder, sex, and age.
Differences in the number of married males and females occur because there is no step in the weighting process to equalize the weighted estimates of husbands and wives.

Never Married

Includes all people who have never been married, including people whose only marriage(s) was annulled.

Ever Married

Includes people ever married at the time of interview (including those now married, separated, widowed, or divorced).

Now Married, Except Separated

Includes people whose current marriage has not ended through widowhood, divorce, or separation (regardless of previous marital history). The category may also include couples who live together or people in common-law marriages if they consider this category the most appropriate. In certain tabulations, currently married people are further classified as "spouse present" or "spouse absent." In tabulations, unless otherwise specified, "now married" does not include same-sex married people even if the marriage was performed in a state issuing marriage certificates for same-sex couples.

Separated

Includes people legally separated or otherwise absent from their spouse because of marital discord. Those without a final divorce decree are classified as "separated." This category also includes people who have been deserted or who have parted because they no longer want to live together but who have not obtained a divorce.

Widowed

Includes widows and widowers who have not remarried.

Divorced

Includes people who are legally divorced and who have not remarried. Those without a final divorce decree are classified as "separated."
In selected tabulations, data for married and separated people are reorganized and combined with information on the presence of the spouse in the same household.

Now Married

All people whose current marriage has not ended by widowhood or divorce. This category includes people defined above as "separated."
Spouse Present
Married people whose wife or husband was reported as a member of the same household, including those whose spouses may have been temporarily absent for such reasons as travel or hospitalization.
Spouse Absent
Married people whose wife or husband was not reported as a member of the same household or people reporting they were married and living in a group quarters facility.

- Separated - Defined above.

- Spouse Absent, Other - Married people whose wife or husband was not reported as a member of the same household, excluding separated. Included is any person whose spouse was employed and living away from home or in an institution or serving away from home in the Armed Forces.
Differences between the number of married males and the number of married females occur because: some husbands and wives have their usual residence in different areas; and husbands and wives do not have the same weights. By definition, the numbers would be the same.

Median Age at First Marriage

The median age at first marriage is calculated indirectly by estimating the proportion of young people who will marry during their lifetime, calculating one-half of this proportion, and determining the age (at the time of the survey) of people at this half-way mark by osculatory interpolation. It does not represent the actual median age of the population who married during the calendar year. It is shown to the nearest tenth of a year. Henry S. Shryock and Jacob S. Siegel outline the osculatory procedure in Methods and Materials of Demography, First Edition (May 1973), Volume 1, pages 291-296.

Marital History

Beginning in 2008, people 15 years and over who were ever married (married, widowed, separated, or divorced) were asked if they had been married, widowed, or divorced in the past 12 months. They were asked how many times (once, two times, three or more times) they have been married, and the year of their last marriage.

Question/Concept History

The word "current" was dropped from the 1996-1998 question. Since 1999, the question states, "What is this person's marital status?" The American Community Survey began providing the median age at first marriage with the 2004 data. Data on marital history were first collected in 2008 at the request of the Department of Health and Human Services to provide more detailed annual information on the marital status of the population. Before 2008, the marital status question was asked of all people and only tabulated for those 15 and over. In 2008, marital status was moved from the basic demographic section, at the beginning of the ACS questionnaire, to the detailed person section - a part of the questionnaire where questions were asked of only people 15 and over. The marital history questions follow the marital status question on the questionnaire.

Limitation of the Data

Beginning in 2006, the population in group quarters (GQ) is included in the ACS. Some types of GQ populations have marital status distributions that are very different from the household population. The inclusion of the GQ population could therefore have a noticeable impact on the marital status distribution. This is particularly true for areas with a substantial GQ population.

Comparability

The data on marital status can be compared to previous ACS years and to similar data collected on CPS and SIPP. Marital status is no longer asked on the Decennial Census. The marital history data, and particularly marriage and divorce rates derived from the questions asking if the person got married or divorced in the past 12 months is comparable to vital statistics collected by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).

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