Census data
The U.S. Census Bureau releases a torrent of demographic and statistical information each year, but to best assist you with your next assignment, I’ve decided to pare down last year’s lesson to the resources I think will be most useful.
To begin, I should note that official 2010 Census data is still in the midst of being released. As far as I’ve been able to determine, most of the “good stuff” is still yet to come.
- The primary and most up-to-date source for local Census data is American FactFinder, which includes fast access to fact sheets for your community, as well as the annual American Community Survey. However, the site is currently in transition to a new page that will incorporate 2010 Census data. Some states and tables are already there, while others aren’t, so there’s a good chance you’ll need to use the old page (with 2009 ACS data) to get what you need. To learn more about how to navigate the new FactFinder, click here.
There are also some excellent secondary sources, which I often find easier to navigate:
- The New York City Department of City Planning’s population page has some useful Census resources, including American Community Survey data and a map delineating Community Districts and Census Bureau PUMAs.
- Infoshare Online and Social Explorer are two subscription sources we have. Take advantage of CUNY access!
Bonus material: One of my favorite Census Bureau pages is Facts for Features & Special Editions, which consists of collections of statistics from demographic and economic subject areas–intended to commemorate anniversaries or observances or to provide background information for topics in the news.