Each year, the Census Bureau releases three versions of the American Communities Survey (ACS). These are the 1-Year, the 3-Year, and the 5-Year ACS Estimates. These are released based on the population size of the municipality. Five year estimates are released for EVERY level of census geography (down to the block group level) as well as every municipality (think town, city, and village). Three year estimates are only released for geographies or municipalities with a MINIMUM population of 20,000 persons. So many smaller villages and towns are excluded. One year estimates are released for municipalities with a MINIMUM population of 65,000. This means they are mostly for counties and larger cities.
What this means for municipalities is that in some cases (Oneida County for example), each year there are 3 levels of ACS released - the 1-Year, the 3-Year and the 5-Year ACS estimates ALL include Oneida County data. Other communities, like Herkimer County, only have two versions of the ACS that cover them - the 3-Year and the 5-Year estimates. And even stiil, smaller areas, say the village of Newport, only can find annual updates of data in the 5-Year estimates.
Each of these types of ACS releases have advantages and disadvantages. The rule of thumb, when multiple versions are released and available, is that you should use the 1-Year or 3-Year estimate when you are looking for the NEWEST data out there. They cover the most recent time frame for release of data. Because they have smaller sample periods (1 or 3 years) they also have the greater variability, so that is the downside of using them. On the other hand, you should use the 5-Year estimates when you are looking for the most accurate data, or perhaps the better way to say it is when you want to see the data with the least variability.
Regardless, the most recent 5-Year Estimates will now become a permanent part of this blog in the linked area just below the title above. A permanent link will take you to the most recent 5 year estimate post so you can always easily find this important data for both Herkimer and Oneida Counties !
Below are the individual links to the Demographic, Social, Economic and Housing Profiles for each county, side by side in a single pdf.
Regional 5 Year ACS Demographic Data 2006-2010
Regional 5 Year ACS Social Data 2006-2010
Regional 5 Year ACS Economic Data 2006-2010
Regional 5 Year ACS Housing Data 2006-2010
