U.S. Census Data & Statistics
- Introduction
- Finding Census Data
- Census Reference Resources
- Census Materials at LSU This link opens in a new window
Training Tools
- Census Academy: Your Learning Hub for Data SkillsLearn how to access and use Census Bureau data your way through how-to Data Gem videos and in-depth courses, webinars, and tutorials.
- Getting Started with Your Search on data.census.govLearn about the different ways to search for data on the platform; from basics, like using the Single Search, to applying filters in the Advanced Search, this video is full of tips and tricks to help you get started.
- An Introduction and Getting Started on data census govLearn the basics on how to get started with your Census Bureau data search on data.census.gov, including downloading data, using the map feature, and customizing table views.
- Explanation of Mapping Buttons on data.census.govLearn all about the mapping buttons found in the ribbon of the Census Bureau’s main data search platform, data.census.gov.
- How to Create a Map from Scratch Using data.census.govLearn how to create a map using data you found on the Census Bureau’s main data search platform, data.census.gov.
- How to Export and Download Tables in data.census.govIn this video tutorial, learn the differences between exporting and downloading data from data.census.gov.
- Using the Survey Filter Panel on data.census.govA tour of the newly redesigned survey filter panel on data.census.gov.
- U.S. Census Bureau Full Tutorial PlaylistA small handful of the videos found in the playlist are highlighted above. To view the full collection of 47 (and counting) videos, select the accompanying link.
Getting Started
The Census tracks a staggering amount of data, and all of this data is open and available to the public; however, sometimes trying to find the data that you need can feel like you're trying to squeeze water from a stone. Having an understanding of the definitions and delineations of the various geographic entities used for data collection and reporting is essential for finding and using census data.
Use this tab and the following sub-tabs for resources and tips on how to effectively find and use census data for your research.
Geographic Information
Geography is important because it is the basis for taking a census and for tabulating census data. Understanding geographic relationships is key to understanding how to properly use Census Bureau data. The Standard Hierarchy of Census Geographic Entities displays the relationships between legal, administrative and statistical boundaries maintained by the Census Bureau. It depicts relationships with a line and shows where relationships do not exist by displaying entities on different line tracks. In short, it shows how different geographic areas may, or may not, be related.
Census tracts are small, relatively permanent statistical subdivisions of a county. Census tracts generally have a population size between 1,200 and 8,000 people, with an optimum size of 4,000 people, and they are the smallest geographical unit for which detailed Census data (income, education, poverty status, etc.) is provided.
Before you can find data at the Tract level, you must know the Tract numbers which encompass the area you are interested in. Here are two ways to find these numbers:
1. Data.census.gov does not have an address search feature available. However, you can access geographic information, such as the state, county, tract number, block number, and block group number, about a particular address using the Census Geocoder.
The Geocoder can be accessed at https://geocoding.geo.census.gov/geocoder/geographies/address?form.
2. Use the Census Tract Reference Maps on the Census Bureau's website. This database provides PDFs of Tracts for each county in the country.
Questions to think about before you begin your census data research:
- What topic (and subtopics) are you interested in?
- Poverty, Veterans, Forestry, Commuting, etc.
- What years / timespan do you need data for?
- What geographic level (census tract, county, city, metropolitan areas, etc.) are you looking for data for?
- All Topics & SubtopicsCensus Bureau statistics are now organized by themes, or topics, making it easier for you to find what you need. Each topic and subtopic lists associated data, news, and more.
- Census Survey ExplorerDiscover U.S. Census Bureau surveys or censuses by filtering and searching by geography, frequency, topics, and subtopics.
- Index A-ZAlphabetical list of subject pages. Each subject page will go over the sources of data (e.g. decennial census, ACS, CPS etc.) There will also be definitions and links to data.
- American Community Survey Code ListsThe Census Bureau creates codes to organize responses to questions such as race, ancestry, language and occupation. This is the complete list of codes used for the ACS.
- Last Updated: Jan 31, 2025 12:33 PM
- URL: https://guides.lib.lsu.edu/c.php?g=1403105
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