Research Guides: Research: Finding Information: Statistical Sources

Introduction

This guide is intended to provide users with a starting point for their data and statistical research. Links to library databases, and major organizations and agencies are provided. This guide is NOT a comprehensive resource of available data sets in every discipline. For more statistical information, including datasets, visit the library's Statistics & Data research guide.

Statistical Databases

Rand State Stats This link opens in a new window
RAND State Statistics is an expansive source of valuable social science data covering all 50 U.S. states. Subject areas include population and demographics; health and health care; business and economics; crime, prisons, and courts; labor force, employment and earnings; energy; environment, resources, and weather; K-12 education; higher education; income, expenditure, wealth and poverty; social insurance and human services; transportation and travel; and federal, state, and local government.
Social Explorer This link opens in a new window
Social Explorer is an online research tool designed to provide quick and easy access to historical census data and demographic information. It creates fast, intuitive, and appealing maps and reports to help users visually analyze and understand demography and social change throughout history.
Statista This link opens in a new window
Statista is the leading statistics company on the Internet. Statista aggregates data on a professional level from different institutes and sources. There are over 80,000 topics from more than 22,500 different sources available. Each statistic can be downloaded in different formats so that they can be integrated into the document (Graphic PNG file, PowerPoint file, PDF file and Excel chart). Each statistic has a citation and the source document for each statistic is presented as well.

Statistical Online Sources

Current Population Survey
The Current Population Survey is a joint effort between the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Bureau of the Census to collect, analyze and disseminate information on labor force characteristics in the United States for policy makers, legislators, researchers and students. The site is searchable and also provides links to related surveys and supplements.
Data.gov
The purpose of Data.gov is to increase public access to high value, machine readable datasets generated by the Executive Branch of the United States federal government. Data.gov includes a searchable data catalog that includes access to data in two ways: through the "raw" data catalog and using tools. Please note that by accessing datasets or tools offered on Data.gov, you agree to the Data Policy, which you should read before accessing any dataset or tool.
Dataverse
Dataverse is an open source application to publish, share, reference, extract and analyze research data. It facilitates making data available to others, and allows you to replicate others work. Researchers, data authors, publishers, data distributors, and affiliated institutions all receive appropriate credit. The Harvard Dataverse Network is open to all scientific data from all disciplines worldwide. It includes the world's largest collection of social science research data.
Domestic and International Statistics Resources
A list of statistical agencies or bureaus in many countries, from Algeria to Yugoslavia, compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Links to international organizations are also provided.
National Center for Health Statistics
The National Vital Statistics System is the oldest and most successful example of inter-governmental data sharing in Public Health and the shared relationships, standards, and procedures form the mechanism by which NCHS collects and disseminates the Nation’s official vital statistics.
National Historical Geographic Information System
The National Historical Geographic Information System (NHGIS) provides, free of charge, aggregate census data and GIS-compatible boundary files for the United States between 1790 and 2010.
Statistical Abstract of the US - Historical
The Statistical Abstract of the United States has been published since 1878. It is the authoritative and comprehensive summary of statistics on the social, political, and economic organization of the United States. Sources of data include the Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Bureau of Economic Analysis, and many other federal agencies and private organizations.
U.S. Census
Primary online interface for viewing US Census data, including population, housing, economic, geographic, and governmental data.
United Nations Statistics Division
Start here for international statistics. The UN collects, analyzes and disseminates statistical information from member nations on a wide variety of topics to the general public. Links to information on statistical methods, links to data and reports, and other sources.
USA.gov/Statistics
Find statistics and data about the U.S., such as demographic and economic data, population, and maps.
USAFacts
USAFacts provides a data-driven portrait of the American population, US governments’ finances, and governments’ impact on society.
World Bank Data and Statistics
Includes demographic and statistical data from countries around the world on topics ranging from agriculture to urban development.
region.