Data Librarian
Alternative Ways to Get Census Data
- data.census.govThis is the new search interface from the Census. It is still in development (as of Fall 2019), so it lacks some of the features available in American FactFinder. Search functionality seems to be better. This is your best bet if you need current Census data and are not UVA affiliated (i.e., you do not have access to Social Explorer).
- Census APIThe Census offers an API for developers to quickly and easily access Census statistics, including ACS, Decennial Census, and other Census surveys. Excellent for developers, but otherwise has a high learning curve.
- A Guide to Working with US Census Data in RThere are several packages for R that rely on the Census API. This guide suggests various options. High learning curve if you don't already know R; low learning curve if you do.
- Accessing Census Data in R Workshop (Fall 2019)Instructional materials for UVA Library Accessing Census Data with R workshop, Fall 2019.
- IPUMS - USAThe Integrated Public Use Microdata Sample USA project provides access to microdata samples of the American population drawn from federal censuses of population and housing. Data are available from the decennial censuses of 1790 to 2010 and American Community Surveys (ACS) from 2000 to the present. IPUMS allows you to create downloadable subsets by geography, year, or variable. Use this if you need microdata rather than statistics/pre-populated tables. Note that the lowest level of geography is the PUMA, which has at minimum 100,000 people.
- Microdata at data.census.govCreate custom tables using ACS and CPS microddata.
- National Historical Geographic Information System (NHGIS)The National Historical Geographic Information System (NHGIS) provides population, housing, agricultural, and economic data, along with GIS-compatible boundary files, for geographic units in the United States from 1790 to the present. This is your best bet if you need historical census data, and are not UVA affiliated (i.e., you do not already have access to Social Explorer.)
Historical Census Tracts
The boundaries of Census Tracts are prone to change, especially when neighborhoods change rapidly between the decades. To compare historical with current data, you need to have consistent census tract boundaries. These datasets offer decennial census data standardized to the latest tract boundaries.
The first three options listed below require use of a GIS. For help with GIS contact UVA Library's Scholars' Lab.
- National Historical Geographic Information System (NHGIS)The National Historical Geographic Information System (NHGIS) provides population, housing, agricultural, and economic data, along with GIS-compatible boundary files, for geographic units in the United States from 1790 to the present. This is your best bet if you need historical census data, and are not UVA affiliated (i.e., you do not already have access to Social Explorer.)
- PolicyMap This link opens in a new windowUse PolicyMap to compare Census Tracts when you are not using a GIS.
Census Topics
The Census covers a variety of topics, not just about population:
More Census Surveys
The Census offers a wide variety of surveys, beyond the usual population counts and characteristics that you are already familiar with:
Weldon Cooper Population Estimates
- Weldon Cooper Center Population EstimatesThe Weldon Cooper Center's Demographics Research Group produces population estimates, including the official estimates of total population for localities, that are used throughout the Commonwealth for decision-making and fund allocation. They also produces school-age population estimates, school enrollment projections, and other data products as funding permits.
Learn More about Census 2020
- Census 2020Learn more about Census 2020.