LibGuides: U.S. CENSUS DATA: Access to Census Data

I need...

Before accessing Census & ACS data, you'll need to know:

Which dataset/survey you want to use: Decennial Census, ACS 1-year Estimates, or ACS 5-year Estimates.
The name of the geography/geographies you want to examine.
Year(s) you're interested in.

data.census.gov
Official tool to access data from the Census Bureau. Type in the statistic, e.g. "population," and location, e.g. "Richmond, VA" or look at a data profile for a location.

Data USA This link opens in a new window
Access statistics and visualizations drawn from a variety of U.S. Government public data, designed to answer questions about places, industries, occupation, education, and more. (Deloitte)
Statistical Abstract of the United States (ProQuest) This link opens in a new window
Search for statistics in this yearly publication that illuminate the social, political, and economic organization of the United States. The data covers the years 1878-2012 and has been compiled from a variety of public and private sources. (ProQuest)

data.census.gov
Official tool to access data from the Census Bureau, includes American Community Survey (ACS) estimates, Decennial Censuses, economic survey data, business patterns, and Census of Governments. Click on "Advanced Search" to create a table. [Note: replaced American Factfinder in spring 2020]

Social Explorer This link opens in a new window
An easy-to-use resource for current and historical United States Census data and demographic information. CLICK ON "TABLES" ON THE LEFT.
Data USA This link opens in a new window
Access statistics and visualizations drawn from a variety of U.S. Government public data, designed to answer questions about places, industries, occupation, education, and more. (Deloitte)

Social Explorer This link opens in a new window
Create reports and maps based on US Census data and demographic information. Create an account on the site to save your maps. (Social Explorer)
SimplyAnalytics This link opens in a new window
Access business, consumer, and market data from a variety of sources, including Neilsen, Simmons, and the Census Bureau. Using this data, you can build reports, export data, and create maps. Choose "Sign in as a guest" or create a personal account in order to save your work. Note: Only 10 users may access this database at one time. (SimplyAnalytics)
PolicyMap This link opens in a new window
Access a data and mapping resource that combines demographic, health, employment, and socioeconomic data about communities, census tracts, and other regions within the United States. (PolicyMap)

Social Explorer This link opens in a new window
An easy-to-use resource for current and historical United States Census data and demographic information. Click on "Tables" on the left to browse historical data.

NHGIS: National Historical Geographic Information System (Minnesota Population Center)
Access to summary statistics and GIS boundary files for U.S. censuses and other nationwide surveys from 1790 through the present. Begin by clicking on Select Data.

Historical Statistics of the United States This link opens in a new window
Search for statistics on topics related to American Indians, slavery, poverty, race, ethnicity, migration, health, crime, and more. Each are placed in historical context by a recognized expert in the field. (Cambridge)
Statistical Abstract of the United States (ProQuest) This link opens in a new window
Search for statistics in this yearly publication that illuminate the social, political, and economic organization of the United States. The data covers the years 1878-2012 and has been compiled from a variety of public and private sources. (ProQuest)

NHGIS: National Historical Geographic Information System (Minnesota Population Center)
Access to summary statistics and GIS boundary files for U.S. censuses and other nationwide surveys from 1790 through the present. Begin by clicking on Select Data.
IPUMS: Integrated Public Use Microdata Samples (Minnesota Population Center)
Access harmonized microdata from the U.S. Census, Current Population Survey (CPS), and others. Note: this resource is geared toward advanced data users. Contact Samantha Guss for help!