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
Statistics and visualizations drawn from a variety of U.S. Government public data, designed to answer questions about places, industries, occupation, education, and more.
Statistical Abstract of the United States (ProQuest) This link opens in a new window
Comprehensive summary of statistics on the social, political, and economic organization of the United States, 1878-present.
More information on how to use this resource is available.

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.
Create reports and maps of the U.S. population for a variety of geographic levels, on topics such as race, sex, age, education, and many more. Social Explorer provides access to data from all Censuses from 1790-present and the American Community Survey, plus additional data on religious congregations. To save your maps and to use all of the database's tools and features, you will need to create a free account.; Web-based maps & downloadable statistics; Varies, 1790 - present
Data USA This link opens in a new window
Statistics and visualizations drawn from a variety of U.S. Government public data, designed to answer questions about places, industries, occupation, education, and more.

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.
Create reports and maps of the U.S. population for a variety of geographic levels, on topics such as race, sex, age, education, and many more. Social Explorer provides access to data from all Censuses from 1790-present and the American Community Survey, plus additional data on religious congregations. To save your maps and to use all of the database's tools and features, you will need to create a free account.; Web-based maps & downloadable statistics; Varies, 1790 - present
SimplyAnalytics This link opens in a new window
Mapping application for developing interactive thematic maps and reports using demographic, business, and marketing data variables. Choose Sign in as a guest or create a personal account in order to save your work.
A web-based mapping application (formerly called SimplyMap) that lets users quickly create professional-quality thematic maps and reports using demographic, business, and marketing data for the United States.; User-generated maps & reports; Most recent census & previous year market data
PolicyMap This link opens in a new window
Data and mapping resource that combines demographic, health, employment, and socioeconomic data about communities, census tracts, and other regions within the United States.

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.
Create reports and maps of the U.S. population for a variety of geographic levels, on topics such as race, sex, age, education, and many more. Social Explorer provides access to data from all Censuses from 1790-present and the American Community Survey, plus additional data on religious congregations. To save your maps and to use all of the database's tools and features, you will need to create a free account.; Web-based maps & downloadable statistics; Varies, 1790 - present

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
Topics range from American Indians, slavery, poverty, race, ethnicity, migration and health to crime and the Confederate States of America are each placed in historical context by a recognized expert in the field.
Full-text and statistical data; 2006 - present
Statistical Abstract of the United States (ProQuest) This link opens in a new window
Comprehensive summary of statistics on the social, political, and economic organization of the United States, 1878-present.
More information on how to use this resource is available.

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!