Government Documents - Census and Statistics

Census of Population and Housing

In addition to resources related to the Census of Population and Housing (the Decennial Census), this site also includes information about the Economic Census that profiles American business every five years, as well as tools to locate, access, and display census data.

Published by the Census Bureau, "the first comprehensive atlas of population and housing produced by the Census Bureau since the 1920s. The Census Atlas is a large-format publication about 300 pages long and containing almost 800 maps. Data from decennial censuses prior to 2000 support nearly 150 maps and figures, providing context and an historical perspective for many of the topics presented."

Historical Census Browser (University of Virginia Library)

Includes census data from 1790 through 1960. In addition to studying data from a specific year, you can also examine data in particular categories (such as education and literacy, agriculture, and slave population) over multiple census years, and then create maps using the data you've selected. If you're using historical census data in your research, consult the Historical Census Browser's collection of links to additional resources.

This resource from the U.S. Census Bureau includes population, housing, economic, and geographic data, and can be used to generate community fact sheets by zip code.

Statistical Abstract of the United States (in print and online)

Statistical Abstract is published annually by the U.S. Census Bureau and summarizes statistical data from a host of federal government and private sources. Use Statistical Abstract to find the most current population data, as well as statistics related to health, education, law enforcement, elections, labor, income, science and technology, communications, manufacturing, recreation, and much more. All of the data tables include citations to the source material and issuing agency or entity.

The most recent edition is shelved at the Information Desk: Infodesk HA202. A1 2008. Earlier editions, dating back to the 19th century, are in the reference collection.

There is also a supplementary volume: State and Metropolitan Area Data Book. This volume compiles statistics related to the social and economic structure of states and metropolitan areas throughout the United States, and, like Statistical Abstract, points to sources for further research. The most recent edition is from 2006 and is also available online.

All federal agencies generate statistics, and FedStats can help you find them. Search by topic or agency, search across multiple agencies, or view statistics arranged geographically.

A compendium of statistics from more than 1,000 sources and includes more than 37,000 data series about American history. Topics include population, work and welfare, economic structure and performance, economic sectors, and governance and international relations. Tables may be graphed, customized, and downloaded.

Provides access to a variety of sources of statistical information from federal, state and international sources. Where available links to the full text of the statistical publication online are provided.

Sponsored by the U. S. Department of Commerce, STAT-USA provides business, economic and trade information from the Federal Government. Information provided through this site includes current and historical economic and financial releases and economic data, as well as current and historical trade-related releases, international market research, trade opportunities, country analysis, and the National Trade Data Bank (NTDB).

Statistical Resources on the Web (University of Michigan Documents Center)