U.S. Census Data & Statistics
Microdata Explained
MICRODATA FILES
Microdata files are files with non-aggregated data about the units sampled. For surveys of individuals, microdata files contain records for each individual interviewed; for surveys of organizations, the microdata contain records for each organization. These files show the responses made by a person or organization in the survey. May differ from statistical files where data are aggregated from many individual records.
To ensure confidentiality, the Census Bureau publishes microdata only after it is stripped of all identifying information.
PUBLIC USE MICRODATA AREA (PUMA)
A statistical area defined to contain a population of 100,000 or greater for which the Census Bureau tabulates public use microdata sample (PUMS) data. American Community Survey and decennial census population and housing microdata are disseminated using these defined areas. The American Community Survey also publishes one year estimate data for PUMAs.
PUBLIC USE MICRODATA SAMPLE (PUMS) FILES
Computerized files containing a small sample of individual records, with identifying information removed, from the census long form and from the American Community Survey showing the population and housing characteristics of the people included on those forms.
- How-to Materials for Using the Microdata AccessDo you have questions on how to use Microdata Access? Check out the step-by-step guidance to learn how to use Microdata Access to create your own tabulations.
- IPUMS USAIPUMS USA collects, preserves and harmonizes U.S. census microdata and provides easy access to this data with enhanced documentation. Data includes decennial censuses from 1790 to 2010 and American Community Surveys (ACS) from 2000 to the present.
- Research DataGovResearchDataGov is a web portal for discovering and requesting access to restricted microdata from federal statistical agencies.
Videos About Microdata
- Last Updated: Jan 31, 2025 12:33 PM
- URL: https://guides.lib.lsu.edu/c.php?g=1403105
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