The ACS Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) files allow data users to create estimates for user-defined characteristics.  The files contain a sample of the responses to the American Community Survey (ACS). The PUMS files includes variables for nearly every question on the ACS survey. Additional variables are also created from PUMS responses to provide data users with useful variables (such as poverty status) while protecting confidentiality and providing consistency within the PUMS files. There are two types of PUMS files, one for Person records and one for Housing Unit records. Each record in the Person file represents a single person.  Individuals are organized into households, making possible the study of people within the contexts of their families and other household members. In addition, the files contain people who reside in group quarters, such as nursing homes or college dormitories. The Housing Unit files contain records for single housing units, including vacant housing units. PUMS files for an individual year contain data on approximately one percent of the United States population. PUMS files covering a five-year period contain data on approximately five percent of the United States population.

American Community Survey Public Use Microdata Sample

American Community Survey (ACS)

For a detailed description of the differences, please see "Comparison of Census Bureau Public and Restricted Data" in general metadata section.

The Administrative Data Research Facility (ADRF) is a secure cloud-based computing platform designed to promote collaboration, facilitate documentation, and provide information about data use to the agencies that own the data. The ADRF has provided secure access to over 100 confidential government datasets from 50 different agencies at all levels of government. More information on ADRF is available at https://coleridgeinitiative.org/adrf/.

Remote access to restricted-use data at the authorized licensed location via the the Administrative Data Research Facility (ADRF) by a connected, networked computer.  

Researchers may access restricted-use National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) data at Research Data Centers (RDCs) located in Hyattsville, MD, Atlanta, GA, Rockville, MD, and Washington DC (government employees only). The NCHS RDCs are open by appointment only during regular business hours. The NCHS RDC computers are not connected to the Internet, and they have standard statistical software. An RDC Analyst will review all materials brought into the RDC and will review any notes, code, or output the researcher may want to take out of the RDC. Electronic devices (e.g., cell phones and laptops) are not permitted in the RDC. Some NCHS projects are authorized to access NCHS data at Federal Statistical RDCs (FSRDC). Non-US Citizens: In general, non-US citizens are not granted access to NCHS RDCs and are encouraged to use Federal Statistical RDCs to access restricted-use NCHS data.

Access via physical data enclaves in Atlanta, GA; Hyattsville, MD; Rockville, MD; or Washington, DC (government employees only).

NCSES Secure Data Access Facility (SDAF) houses NCSES restricted-use data and provides secure remote access to researchers. After researchers have submitted a restricted-use data application, received approval from NCSES, and have been trained on how to use the SDAF, they can login using an approved computer and a private internet connection. Each researcher has access to their own, personal file space and to a suite of software that can be used to store, access, and analyze data. For more information on accessing NCSES restricted-use data, please visit https://ncses.nsf.gov/about/licensing. 

The NCSES Secure Data Access Facility is a virtual data enclave where approved researchers access NCSES restricted-use data.

USDA offers offsite remote access via a secure internet connection using the researcher’s own computer and web browser to approved datasets for data analysis within the Data Enclave. Each researcher has access to their own personal file space and to a suite of software that can be used to store, access, and analyze data.

Remote access through a virtual data enclave.

Access via a physical data enclave at the Social Security Administration in Washington, DC.

The ICPSR physical data enclave is located in the Perry Building on the campus of the University of Michigan.

Access via the physical data enclave at ICPSR in Ann Arbor, MI.

The ICPSR virtual data enclave allows users access to restricted data via their own computers using a virtual desktop. 

Remote access through ICPSR`s virtual data enclave.

Data can be used by the researcher(s) at their institutions via a method and following requirements set by the agency owning the data. These might include a non-networked computer, a secure office, or other provisions deemed necessary to ensure security.

Data can be used at the user`s institution following the license agreement.

Researchers, working on approved projects and satisfying all requirements to become temporary agents of the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), may arrange with EIA to schedule time during normal business hours for EIA Onsite restricted access to protected data. This restricted access is only in designated areas located at EIA’s headquarters in Washington, DC. While working in these designated areas, the following are prohibited: remote access, removal of any protected information provided by EIA in paper or digital format, and access to the internet, email, EIA’s internal network, removable digital media, and cell phones.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) provides restricted access to protected data in designated areas located at EIA’s headquarters in Washington, DC.

Researchers can access data within a secure room in the Fort Collins, CO office. The network is air-gapped and has no access to the internet or USDA network. Coordination with NAHMS staff is required to access data within the secure Data Lab. Note that if a request includes both NASS and NAHMS data, the NAHMS Onsite option cannot be used, the USDA Virtual Data Enclave must be used.

Access data in a secured room in Fort Collins, CO

Researchers may access restricted-use NCHS Data from an employer site via Virtual Data Enclave. RDC Analyst will review  any notes, code, or output the researcher may want to take off of the VDE. Non-US Citizens: Non-US citizens may NOT access data using the NCHS VDE and are encouraged to use Federal Statistical RDCs for access to restricted-use NCHS data.

The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) operates a Virtual Data Enclave (VDE) where researchers may access restricted-use NCHS data

BEA is currently providing access at the user’s domicile. A security clearance is required to access the BEA network.

Remote access to restricted access data on the BEA network. 

BLS Onsite access is available in a researcher room at the BLS national office in Washington, DC.  Researchers with approved projects can reserve time during normal business hours to use BLS workstations connected to an internal server where all data and project files are stored.  More information is available at www.bls.gov/rda/onsite-at-bls.htm. 

Access via a designated researcher room at the BLS national office in Washington, DC.

BLS offers offsite remote access to restricted data through a Virtual Data Enclave (VDE).  Users access data files at a designated location at their instution using a virtual desktop on their own computer. The VDE must be accessed from a single non-private static IP address that is associated with the institution and restricted to an approved location. If the institution is unable to provide a location-specific IP address, a static IP address is still required and the VDE must be accessed from a non-portable desktop computer located in an approved location. NLSY State, County, and MSA Geocode data sets and the CFOI-Masked data set require a workspace where steps can be taken to prevent unauthorized individuals from seeing or accessing the data. The remaining highly restricted data sets require a locaton with a locked room that is only accessible to designated agents.

Remote access to restricted data in a secure location at the researcher’s institution through a Virtual Data Enclave.

Federal Statistical Research Data Centers (FSRDCs) are Census Bureau facilities, housed in partner institutions, that meet all physical and information security requirements for access to restricted–use micro data of the agencies whose data are accessed there. Remote access via secure Virtual Desktop Interface (VDI) is permitted for researchers working with selected data, at the discretion of the data-owning agency. All FSRDC researchers must obtain the Census Bureau`s Special Sworn Status and successfully complete a thorough background investigation prior to accessing an RDC.

Federal Statistical Research Data Centers (FSRDCs) are Census Bureau facilities, housed in partner institutions, that meet all physical and information security requirements for access to restricted–use micro data of the agencies whose data are accessed there.

Remote access to the IRS network via a secure VPN line using a government laptop issued and configured by IRS IT.

Remote access to the IRS network via secure VPN line using government laptop issued and configured by IRS IT.

Access at IRS Headquarters, Submission Processing Center, or other satellite (field) offices.

Search Results

Filters