How to use the data

Ask in plain words or browse by topic, then read the value with its margin of error.

1. On the home page, type a question such as “median rent in Decatur” and press Ask, or click one of the examples.
2. The answer appears above the map with the margin of error and where the area ranks.
3. Open Full metadata under the indicator's name to read its exact definition and source.

You know it worked when: You have the number, its margin of error and the source table.

What the colors mean, what grey means, and how to see one neighborhood.

1. The legend gives the value range for each color and the method used to make the classes.
2. Grey means the Census did not publish an estimate for that area, usually because too few people were surveyed.
3. Click any area to see its value, its margin of error and its values in earlier periods.

You know it worked when: You can point to your tract and say its value and range.

ACS figures are survey estimates; the margin says how sure the Census is.

1. “$1,732 ±16” means the true median is very likely within $16 of $1,732. Small areas have wide margins.
2. Before saying one area is higher than another, check that their ranges do not overlap.
3. Figures describe the five-year period, not this month.

You know it worked when: You can explain why two tracts with different colors may not really differ.

Get a table or a map file with its sources attached.

1. Open Export. CSV and Excel give the table; Excel includes a metadata sheet. GeoJSON and File Geodatabase give the boundaries with the values.
2. PNG, JPG and PDF give the map with its legend for a report or a slide.
3. Cite the source and vintage shown with the data.

You know it worked when: You have a file that names its source.