Research Guides: US Census Data: Data Sets

data.census.gov: A Brief Demonstration

data.census.gov: A Brief Demonstration
Demonstrates how to download US census profiles and detailed tables using the advanced search menu in data.census.gov

Data Reference

Census Bureau Homepage
Glossary of Common Census Variables and Terms
Easy to use reference
Technical Docs for the 2010 Census
Complete definitions and methodology
ACS Compass Guides for Researchers
Useful for learning about the American Community Survey
NAICS Codes
Industrial Classification Codes used in the Economic Census

Statistical Abstract

Statistical Abstract of the U.S.
A statistical reference and guide to over 250 statistical publications and sources from government and private organizations. Proquest Library DB available to Baruch only.

Statistical Abstract (historical)
Comprehensive summary of statistics of the United States from the US Census and other government sources; this was the final public version of this resource (discontinued after 2011 due to budget cuts)

Common Variables

In All Decennial and ACS Data Sets:

Population
Age
Gender
Race
Urban / Rural Population
Households
Family Relations
Housing Units
Home Occupancy
Home Tenure

In ACS Data Sets:

Ethnicity
Residence
Citizenship Status
Employment Status
Commuting
Industry and Occupation
Education
Income
Poverty
Rent or Mortgage
Home Value
Housing Characteristics

What is the Census?

"The Census" is actually composed of several different datasets that were created and designed for different purposes. "The Census" also refers to The US Census Bureau, the branch of the US Department of Commerce that conducts the census.

If you want to use the census, the first question is: which dataset should I use?

Census Datasets

Decennial Census
Taken every ten years, it includes a 100% count of the population (SF 1 and 2) with basic variables such as gender, age, race, households, housing occupancy and tenure. Data is available for all geographic areas in the US down to individual census blocks.
American Community Survey
Consists of several sample surveys of the population that are taken throughout the year, and includes more socio-economic variables relative to the Decennial census. ACS figures are estimates that are reported with margins of error, and reported annually for areas with more than 65,000 people and as five year averages for areas down to census tracts.
Population Estimates
Annual calculations based on demographic methods to estimate population, gender, age, race, and housing units. Estimates are available for states, counties, and metropolitan areas.
Business Patterns
Business establishments, employees, and payroll for states, counties, metro areas, and ZIP Codes, classified by industrial sector. The data is compiled annually from the Business Register, a government database with records for every known business establishment with paid employees in the US (an establishment is a single physical location where business is conducted or service or industrial operations are performed).
IPUMS
Unlike the other data sets, the Public-Use Microdata Samples (PUMS) are samples of actual census responses, where a record indicates an individual person or household (with identification information removed) rather than a geographic area. Register with IPUMS (it's free) to access PUMS data from the decennial census, ACS, and CPS.

Using data.census.gov to Find Data

Easy Profiles for Census ACS Data

Geospatial Data Librarian

Charles Terng

Email Me

Subjects: Computer Information Systems, Demography

Baruch college | Newman Library

US Census Data