Online Resources for Census Data
- Census.gov - the definitive source for census data.
- American Fact Finder - provides access to data about the United States, Puerto Rico and the Island Areas. The data in American FactFinder come from several censuses and surveys. American Fact Finder will be retired in July of 2019.
- data.census.gov - Starting in July, data.census.gov will be the primary way to access Census Bureau data, including upcoming releases from the 2018 American Community Survey, 2017 Economic Census, 2020 Census and more. After July 1, 2019, all new data (previously released on American FactFinder) will be released on this new data platform.
- Response Outreach Area Mapper (ROAM) -this app was developed to make it easier to identify hard-to-survey areas and to provide a socioeconomic and demographic characteristic profile of these areas using American Community Survey (ACS) estimates.
- Census Academy - Your virtual hub for learning data skills.
- Stats America - Your portal to U.S. Data.
- DataUSA - Explore, map, compare, and download U.S. Data.
- Data.gov - data, tools, and resources to conduct research, develop web and mobile applications, design data visualizations, and more.
- Social Explorer - Census and other data back to 1790.
- ProQuest Statistical Insight - Searchable database of governmental statistical reports.
- ProQuest Statistical Abstract of the U.S. - authoritative and comprehensive summary of statistics on the social, political and economic conditions of the United States
- HardtoCount2020 - Mapping Hard to Count (HTC) communities for a fair and accurate 2020 census.
How the money is allocated
Study: More than $1 billion in library funding to be allocated based on 2020 Census results
A new analysis released November 18 reveals that more than $1 billion in federal funding for libraries will be allocated to states over the next decade based on the 2020 Census. ALA President Wanda Brown said, “This study demonstrates why a complete count in the 2020 Census is so important to libraries. A fair, inclusive and complete count in the 2020 Census means that libraries in each state will receive their fair share of federal funding.”
Reasons for the Census
Found on the Western Illinois University website
Ten Reasons for the Census
by Linda Zellmer
Government Information & Data Services Librarian
Western Illinois University
Number 1. Why do it? It’s the Law.
It’s how legislative districts are drawn.
Check the Constitution!
Number 2. Who Counts? Every living denizen,
Even if you’re not a citizen.
The Supreme Court says so! (Also see the Analysis on the Supreme Court's ruling from the Brennan Center for Justice)
Number 3. It means government funds,
Data helps get grant funding done.
It means money!
Number 4. It’s often used in planning,
Schools, healthcare, housing, just explaining.
New Schools! More Doctors!
Number 5. It’s used for transportation,
It brings roads & mass transit to the general population.
Better roads! More buses!
Number 6. It’s used in business planning,
Siting factories, delivering goods; numbers help when they’re expanding.
It means jobs!
Number 7. It’s used in online mapping,
Of services, routes, and even some in taxing.
Think GPS navigation systems!
Number 8. It’s used in an emergency,
After hurricanes, fires, tornadoes, when help is needed urgently.
Who needs help?
Number 9. It’s often used by government,
Schools & services bring advancement.
Community Improvement!
Number 10. It’s used to study history,
Of people and places. Even genealogy.
But you have to wait 72 years!
This poem is also available in poster form at the following links:
50 Ways Census Data Are Used
- 50 Ways Census Data Are Usedfrom the 2020 Census Complete Count Committee Guide
Download the pdf above for a more clear version