Other Census Sources
- Census QuickFacts
Provides easy access to some of the most-used economic and social statistics.
The QuickFacts are an easier way to get to census information than American Factfinder.
- Contains Decennial Census and American Community Survey data from 2000 to present.
- Census DataExplore current data from the Census.
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If you are looking at demographic or economic trends over time by city or county, the U.S. Census can be a great source of information. Unfortunately, Census data prior to the year 2000 can be challenging to easily retrieve.
I've found that the County and City Data Book or Statistical Abstract of the United States to some of the easier sources to use when trying to find older Census data. It's a bit of a time consuming process, but the directions below are pretty easy to follow.
Note: The directions below are for the County and City Data Book, but the same process will work for the Statistical Abstract of the United States.
1. Go to source book and Select a Year
- County & City Data Book (Hathi Trust)Contains searchable PDF of the County & City Data books 1947-2007. A great resource to gather Census data for county and city locations over a period of time.
- Statistical Abstract of the United StatesContains searchable PDF of the Statistical Abstract of the United States books 1879-2011. A great resource to gather Census, economic, and other data for states and regions over a period of time.
- If you have more-advanced data and research needs, you might find the IPUMS USA data more useful. Please note that I am not an expert by any means on using IPUMS.
Using the County & City Data Book via Hathi Trust, choose the volume/year that you need.
2. Search for your location
Use the Keyword search box to search for your City or County
3. Find data from search results
Click the links to specific pages with your location name. You may need to look at multiple pages within the volume to find what you are looking for.
