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U.S. Census Data for Research

The Census is a publicly available wealth of census, survey, and increasingly administrative data spanning several topics. This guide focuses on the 2020 decennial census and other widely used Census Bureau products including the American Community Survey

What is the Census?

Pictured: The U.S. Census Bureau Logo
United States Census Bureau, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

 

The Census Bureau is a federal agency and one of thirteen principal statistical agencies of the United States. The U.S. Census Bureau aims to be the leading provider of data about the nation's people and economy. The most well-known data product is the Decennial Census of Population and Housing, which is required by the U.S. Constitution. Over the years it has evolved and continues to evolve to count a variety of demographic, economic, and social characteristics of the United States population. The Census Bureau is not just busy in the decennial census years. The Bureau is active every year throughout the year, administering over 130 surveys. The American Community Survey, which is administered each year, provides estimates of many social and demographic characteristics.  The Census Bureau products are a wealth of publicly available data that can be used for a variety of research purposes. Visit the Census Webpage "What We Do" to learn more about a broad overview of the Census Bureau from their own perspective.

Questions about the Census? Reach out to:

Need help understanding the basics of Census data? Check out the UVA Library Census Workshop.

First Steps to Access Census Data

The UVA Library provides access to Social Explorer, an online tool that makes Census data easy to view and access (Limited to UVA affiliates). You can quickly visualize Census variables on a variety of topics and geographies. Social Explorer provides easy access to Census Bureau data and information about the United States from 1790 to the present. The platform is intuitive and easy to use, providing a map-based interface to easily explore variables at different geographies.

To quickly access Census data using Social Explorer:

  • Navigate to Social Explorer (UVA affiliates only)
  • Select “Explore Maps” to explore datasets using an interactive mapping web tool
    • Select the “United States” map for Census Tables
    • Use the Search Bar or Zoom to narrow down specific geographies of interest
    • Select “Change Data” to pick a dataset by Year and Topic
    • Options for saving or exporting your map include saving your project, exporting the map as an image, and creating a downloadable tabular report from selected geographies on the map 
  • Select “Tables” to create a report from a specific survey 
    • Select and add your geographies of interest from the drop-down menus
    • Select and add your tables of interest from the drop menu
    • View the report online or select a method of download
  • Select “Data Dictionary and Documentation” for more information on specific variables

See the Social Explorer Guides and Videos for more information. The Social Explorer LibGuide is also a great resource for getting started, as well as diving deeper into specific topics. 

If accessing Census data via Social Explorer, be sure to follow their citation guidance. For more ways to access the Census and additional information, see the card below.

Broadly Helpful Census Resources

The resources below provide access to many Census services and products.  Other pages of this guide provide more fine-tuned access to specific years, products, or services.

Important Census Use Considerations

Though the decennial census itself is not covered by any license (i.e. in the public domain), you may access a Census data product or Census data through a third-party provider that is covered by a license. Pay attention to any Data User agreements you accept or licensing information you encounter. Licenses can affect how you are able to use and redistribute the data. Ask a Librarian if you have any questions. 

When you are reporting your research using the Census, always use best practices in data citations. It is highly recommended to cite publicly accessible data sources, even if they don't provide a recommended citation. The Data Citation Guide created by the Data Editors for American Economic Association Journals is an excellent resource for best practices in creating and formatting citations for data. The University of Michigan LibGuide on the Census also has a helpful section on citations for the Census, specifically. 

 

Pictured: A schooler filling out a Census worksheet as part of the Statistics in Schools program
U.S. Census Bureau, Public domain, via Census Photos