Demographic Statistics from the U.S. Census and other sources: U.S. Census on the Web
A beginners guide to finding statistics about the U.S., Utah and the U.
Census Statistics
- Social ExplorerEasy-to-use web interface lets users create maps and reports to illustrate, analyze, and understand demography and social change. (NOTE: User registration (free) is required for this database.)
- Statistical Abstract of the U.S.Published 1878-2012.
Print copies, LVL 1: Government Documents, call number C3.134:.
For historical data also try "Historical Statistics of the U.S." For more recent statistics also try ProQuest Statistical Abstracts of the U.S. - American FactFinderAn online tool to compile custom tables and maps from Census data sets from 2000-
- Historical Statistics of the United StatesPrint copy located in Marriott Library LVL 2: Ready Reference Knowledge Commons HA202 .H57 2006 vol. 1-5
- Data.govA portal for data sets from the U.S. Federal government. If the data you want is not actually Census data you might be able to find it here.
- Statistical Abstract of the United StatesCall Number: Knowledge Commons,HA202 .U5aPublication Date: 2013-Government publication ceased with 2012 edition. 2012-present are compiled by a commercial publisher
Strategy to find Census information
If you are new to using Census statistics, try the easiest strategy first. Then if you didn't find what you need try more advanced strategies.
easist
- Try the Statistical Abstract of the U.S. (see sidebar).
- The most recent edition of the Statistical Abstract is in the Knowledge Commons, HA202 .U5a
easy
- The Census Bureau website is structured as a directory with FAQs and a "Subject A to Z" list to help you find subject-specific reports. The website offers tools to get quick data about a state or community:
- Data Tools and Visualizatons are offered by the U.S. Census Bureau to help you find information. Try QuickFacts or Easy Stats.
- Look under Topics to see if there is a Census publication that has already compiled the information you need.
intermediate
- Use the American FactFinder tool to create custom tables from U.S. Census data. (The tool is fairly easy to use once you learn how but if you are trying it for the first time you may want to read American FactFinder Help or take a workshop from the Marriott Library).
- If the Census doesn't report the information you want, try the Data.gov search engine to find statistics from other government agencies.
- Ask a librarian for help to find the data you need.
expert
The U.S. Census website offers a Download Center designed for experienced users who want to use datasets with other software tools.
User guides
- Educational Resources, U.S. Census BureauTutorials, workshops and other help using U.S. Census Bureau products.
- American Community SurveySince the ACS was added in 2010, the Decennial Census counts the number of people who live in the U.S. and the American Community Survey shows how people live.
