LibGuides: Government Information Guide: Census

Census Information and Surveys

The U.S. Census Bureau is the leading source of statistical information about the nation’s people. Its population statistics come from decennial censuses, which count the entire U.S. population every ten years, ending in '0.' Data are used for congressional apportionment and to distribute federal funds to communities.

Other Census surveys/programs of note include:

American Community Survey (ACS)
An ongoing statistical survey that samples a small percentage of the population every year.
Current Population Survey (CPS)
Conducted monthly, the CPS is the primary source of labor force statistics for the U.S. population.
American Housing Survey (AHS)
Conducted every two years, the AHS is the most comprehensive national housing survey in the U.S.
Economic Census
The U.S. government's official five-year measure of American business and the economy. (The most recent economic census is for 2012.)

For background information about the Census, check out:

Encyclopedia of the U.S. Census (REF HA37.U55 C66 2000)
Encyclopedia of the U.S. Census
Published after the 2010 Census.

Easy Ways to Find Statistics and Data

Statistical Abstract of the U.S. This link opens in a new window
A comprehensive summary of statistics on the social, political, and economic conditions of the United States.
Off Campus Access: Authenticate with your MyDenison login.

Subject Areas: Statistics, Economics, Political Science, International Studies

The Statistical Abstract of the United States is the authoritative, comprehensive one-volume summary of statistics on the social, political, and economic organization of the United States. Use the Abstract as a convenient volume for statistical reference, and as a guide to sources of more information both in print and on the Web.

Format: Statistical Resources
Update Schedule: Annual
Database Producer: ProQuest

Statistical Abstract of the U.S. (earlier editions)
QuickFacts (Census Bureau)
Provides statistics (population, age and sex, race, etc.) for all states and counties, and for cities and towns with a population of 5,000 or more.
My Congressional District
Access selected statistics about your Congressional district collected through the American Community Survey (ACS) and County Business Patterns (CBP).
U.S. and World Population Clocks
See U.S. population by date, region, age and sex, and the top 10 areas by people and density. The world view has basic facts, trade, and projections by country.

More Advanced Tools

Explore Census Data (U.S. Census Bureau)
IPUMS (Integrated Public Use Microdata Series)
IPUMS-USA has harmonized data on people in the U.S. census and American Community Survey, from 1850 to the present. IPUMS-CPS has harmonized data on people in the Current Population Survey, every March from 1962 to the present.
Population Estimates (Census Bureau)
Population Projections (Census Bureau)
United States QuickFacts
QuickFacts provides statistics for all states and counties, and for cities and towns with a population of 5,000 or more.

What if I have questions about Census data?

Tim Sarko is a U.S. Census Bureau Data Dissemination Specialist for Ohio, and he is happy to answer your questions. He can be reached at timothy.a.sarko@census.gov or (614) 600-6161.