Previously, the Census Bureau said, small geographic areas had to rely on “outdated 2000 Census figures” for detailed information about the characteristics of their communities.

The ACS data can be downloaded here. It is based on a rolling annual sample survey mailed to almost three million addresses nationally.

Census Bureau director Robert Groves (pictured) said: “These estimates deliver on our commitment to Congress to provide timely statistics on our communities and our economy, allowing for a more efficient government.”