|
|
Making Sense of the Census
SCOPE: This guide provides links to Internet sources of data from the decennial census and other censuses, surveys, projections and estimates conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. This guide was prepared by Mary Lou Cumberpatch, Librarian, Government Documents/User Education, McKeldin Library (mc208@umail.umd.edu).
Table of Contents
- Decennial Census 1790-2010
- Other Censuses (Economic, Agriculture and Government)
- Intercensal Population Surveys, Estimates and Projections
- Creating Maps
- Additional Internet Sources of Census Data
Decennial Census 1790-2010
Historical Data
- Selected Historical Census Data from Census Bureau.
- Statistical Abstracts
Section 31, "20th Century Statistics," presents data beginning in 1900 where available on a broad range of subjects such as population, education, income and labor force. - Historical Census Browser, University of Virginia
Selected data for each state and county from 1790-1970 (http://fisher.lib.Virginia.EDU/census). - Maryland State Data Center
Selected data available from 1970-1995; from home page select "Updated Demographic and Socioeconomic Profiles," then choose entire state or a county (http://www.op.state.md.us/MSDC). - Marylandia and Rare Books in McKeldin Library
"U.S. Census Population Schedules for Maryland" from 1790-1920 (with some exceptions). - The National Archives
Publicly available census schedules up through 1920. 1930 schedules will be released in 2002 (http://www.nara.gov/guide/rg029.html).The majority of census data before 1990 is available mainly in print, microfiche, or microfilm. For computer tapes and CD-ROMS from the 1980 decennial census, contact the U.S. Census Bureau at 301-457-4100.
Sources for 1990 Data
- Short and Long Form Questions
- 1990 Print Reports
- 1990 Census Lookup
Data tables available from Summary Tape File 1 (100%, or short form, data) and Summary Tape File 3 (sample, or long form, data). Main advantage over American Factfinder is ability to select more than one geography and table at a time (http://venus.census.gov/cdrom/lookup). - American Factfinder
For 1990 data, choose "Population and Housing Facts." You may choose geographic summary tables, quick tables, or detailed tables. An advanced query option is planned for Census 2000 data. Data is from Summary Tape File 1 and Summary Tape File 3 (http://factfinder.census.gov). - Census Geography
Sources for 2000 Data
- Short and Long Form Questions
- Short Form in PDF Format
Information on conducting the census, participating in the census, the census questionnaire, Census 2000 data.
Currently "Dress Rehearsal" data only. Choose "Population and Housing Facts;" choose detailed tables; under "Tables by Timeframe" select 2000 Dress Rehearsal.
Note that the Census 2000 will appear primarily in American Factfinder. The Census Bureau plans improved functionality and navigation for Census 2000 data.
American Community Survey (http://www.census.gov/acs/www/index_a.htm)
- By the 2010 Census, the Census Bureau hopes to replace the long form with data taken on an annual basis through the American Community Survey. Beginning in 2003, the Census Bureau will survey every county in the country. To access 1996-1998 data, go to American Factfinder. Choose detailed tables, under "Tables by Timeframe" select one of several sets of American Community Survey tables. Tables are also repeated on American Community Survey Web site. Choose Data Products.
Controversial Census Issues
- "Counting on the Census?"
A Brookings Institute Policy Brief. - GAO Report "Formula Grants: Effects of Adjusted Population Counts on Federal Funding to States" (02/26/1999), HEHS-99-69.
GAO calculated effects of 1990 undercount on federal funding. To access report, go to GAO Web site, choose Annual Indexes-Fiscal 1999, in Title Search box type "formula grants". Click search. Click on HEHS-99-69. - "Effects of Census 2000 Undercount on Federal Funding to States and Local Areas, 2002-2012"
Conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers for the U.S. Census Monitoring Board, the report estimates the effect of the 1990 undercount on federal funding by state and county.
Other Censuses (Economic, Agriculture, Government)
The Economic Census
The 1997 Economic Census includes almost every sector and subsector of the economy, including manufactures, minerals, transportation, communication, and wholesale, retail, and utilities.
- 1997 Economic Census
Release of data is ongoing. - Guide to the 1997 Economic Census
- Detailed data available from American Factfinder, Industry and Business Facts.
Intercensal Surveys, Estimates, and Projections
- Current Population Survey
- Current Population Reports
- Survey of Income and Program Participation
- Annual Survey of Manufactures
- County Business Patterns
- USA Counties
- Zip Code Business Patterns
- American Housing Survey
- Monthly Retail Trade Survey
- Foreign Trade
- Many More! Explore Subjects A-Z on U.S. Census Bureau's web site!
Create Maps
Additional Internet Sources of Census Data
Census Bureau Publications
- Census Catalog
- Monthly Product Announcement
- Census and You
- Statistical Abstract of the United States
- County and City Data Book
- State and Metropolitan Area Data Book
Academic Institutions and Non-Profit Organizations
- Population Index (http://popindex.princeton.edu/)
- Government Information Sharing Project, Oregon State University (http://govinfo.kerr.orst.edu/stateis.html).
- Social Science Data Analysis Network (SSDAN) provides user guides, Web sites, and classroom instructional and educational material for use with U.S. Census data (http://www.SSDAN.net/).
- Population Reference Bureau publishes PRB Reports on American, discussions of the influence of population size, distribution, and composition on American society. The premiere issue of February, 1999, features the 2000 Census (http://www.prb.org/roa.htm).
- AmeriStat gives instant summaries of the demographic characteristics of the U.S. population. Subjects include marriage and family, population estimates and projections, education, race and ethnicity, and income and poverty (http://www.ameristat.org/about.htm).
- The Association of Public Data Users
- Council of Professional Associations on Federal Statistics (http://members.aol.com/copafs/index.htm).
Additional Federal Government Statistical Information
- FedStats (http://www.fedstats.gov)
- Committee on Population, National Research Council established by the National Academy of Sciences to bring knowledge of population statistics to the field of public health and welfare.
- Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics provides access to federal and state statistics on families and children (http://www.childstats.gov/).
- Administration on Aging provides statistical information on older persons. Many of its reports are based on census data and done in collaboration with the U.S. Census Bureau (http://www.aoa.dhhs.gov/aoa/stats/statpage.html).
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families provides statistics on child care, child support, child welfare, head start, and other programs (http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/news/stats.htm).
Additional Maryland Population Information
- Maryland Office of Planning, Maryland State Data Center (http://www.op.state.md.us/MSDC).
- Department of Human Resources Fact Pack (http://www.dhr.state.md.us/pi/).