The U.S. Census Bureau, in collaboration with multiple federal agencies, is in a unique position to produce data on critical social and economic matters affecting American households. Originally launched in April 2020, the Household Pulse Survey (HPS) was designed to deploy quickly and efficiently to collect data to measure how emergent issues are impacting U.S. households from a social and economic perspective. Between April of 2020 to September 2024, continuously measured these data through cross-sectional data collection, and data were disseminated in near real-time to inform federal and state action.

In early October 2024, HPS content began transitioning into a longitudinal design, with data collected every other month and released at a national level. In January 2025, the HPS officially relaunched as an integral part of the Household Trends and Outlook Pulse Survey (HTOPS). In the longitudinal design of HTOPS, the survey content alternates every other month between HPS-focused content, which address timely issues affecting U.S. households, and content submitted by internal Census partners and stakeholders, allowing for flexible, targeted exploration of emergent topics. The longitudinal design of HTOPS also helps ensure these vital data are produced in an efficient, less burdensome manner that enhances their richness for timely data. Additionally, the longitudinal design benefits HPS data by allowing direct measurement of change over a much longer period of time in critical elements like spending, inflation, and other social and economic indicators of well-being. More information on the transition to HTOPS is available at Evolving the Household Pulse Survey.

The American Community Survey (ACS) is the premier source of detailed information about the nation's people and housing. As an ongoing survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau since 2005, the ACS collects detailed social, economic, housing, and demographic information from a sample of households across the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

The ACS provides up-to-date information annually, which helps local officials, community leaders, and businesses make informed decisions.

Covering more than 40 topics—including education, employment, income, housing, and transportation—the ACS provides crucial insights into the changing needs and conditions of communities. Its data are used for countless reasons, such as to plan roads, schools, and emergency services, and to guide the distribution of government funding.

The AHS is sponsored by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. The survey is the most comprehensive national housing survey in the United States.