Overview of US Census
The type of data collected by the US Census has varied over its history, 1790 to present. The census' primary purpose is the allocation of representatives to each state for US House of Representatives and not a complete socio-economic survey of the populace. The type of data available from the census can vary and even the questions asked by the census taker or census questionaire varies with each decennial census. The 2000 Census was the last decennial census in which detailed data was gathered from a sample of the population using the long-form questionnaire. Starting in 2001, detailed sample data is being gathered as part of the American Community Survey.
- Census Academy - Data GemsData Gems is a series of "how-to" videos available for data users who are looking for an easy and quick way to enhance their knowledge of Census data.
The short videos will introduce you to various concepts and techniques to improve your ability to navigate the Census website and use the data-access tools.
US Census of Population & Housing Decennial Censuses
The U.S. Bureau of the Census has been collecting data since 1790. When people think of the Census Bureau, they usually think first of population statistics, but the agency also gathers economic and other data. See the tabs above for information on those topics.
- Explore Census DataThe replacement for American FactFinder. Use the Advanced search feature. You will be walked through each step to answer your demographic and economic information needs.
- United States Census 2020The U.S. Census counts every resident in the United States. It is mandated by Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution and takes place every 10 years. The data collected by the decennial census determine the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives and is also used to distribute billions in federal funds to local communities.
- University Libraries Catalog Holdings for US Censuses: 1790-2020Search by the Library of Congress (LC) Subject Headings for US Census holdings in the Wright State University Libraries catalog.
- Index of Questions: Decennial Censuses 1790-2020The first censuses in 1790 and 1800 were "simple" counts of population that fulfilled the U.S. Constitution's requirement. While later censuses met this constitutional mandate, they also gathered greater detail about the nation's inhabitants. As a result, the census has grown from a "head count" to a tool enabling us to better understand the nation's inhabitants, their pursuits and activities, and needs.
- Printed Materials by Decade Guide to Decennial Censuses NC State University LibrariesThe NCSU Libraries contains summary statistical reports compiled from each of the U.S. decennial censuses. For the decennial censuses from 1950 to 2000, the Census Bureau included Table Finding Guides in population and housing publications. These tables list the variables (topics) with columns shows the geographic level and table number where the data can be found. The guides appear in the printed publications.
Geographical Search Tools
- Census Business BuilderThe Census Business Builder (CBB) is a suite of services that provide selected demographic and economic data from the Census Bureau tailored to specific types of users in a simple to access and use format.
- Census ReporterSearch by residential street address and find block, tract and other geographical units for US Census data. Census Reporter is an independent project to make data from the American Community Survey easier to use. They are unaffiliated with the U.S. Census Bureau.
- Geocorr 2018 - Missouri Census Data CenterThis application provides accesses to the multi-state MABLE geographic database to generate custom correlation lists as reports and/or files. You can also narrow data results to public use microdata areas (PUMA) Quick review video available from the US Census.
- OnTheMap - US Census BureauA web-based mapping and reporting application from the US Census Bureau that shows where workers are employed and where they live. It also provides companion reports on age, earnings, industry distributions, race, ethnicity, educational attainment, and sex.
- TIGERweb - US Census BureauThe U.S. Census Bureau’s TIGERweb is a web-based application that allows users to visualize the data within the U.S. Census Bureau’s Topologically Integrated Geographic Encoding and Referencing database (TIGER) online. TIGERweb contains three mapping applications: TIGERweb, TIGERweb Decennial and TIGERweb Economic.
Ohio Census 2020
- 2020 Census Ohio Quick factsTotal Population, Race, Ethnicity, Age/Sex, or Household.
- University Libraries Catalog Holdings for Ohio Censuses: 1790-2000Search by Library of Congress (LC) Subject heading for Ohio Census holdings in the Wright State University Libraries catalog.
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