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Course Guides: PLS 506 - Government Documents/Census Data
Sources
discussed during library instruction:
-
State Data Center - North Carolina economic and population statistics, county profiles
-
LINC from the State Data Center - Log into North Carolina central repository of demographic and statistical data
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Searching for Government Documents in the Library Catalog: Click on "advanced search options" below the catalog search box and select Location: UNCW Government Documents
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SuDoc Call Numbers - Superintendent of Documents classification number - Publications are grouped together by issuing agency
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Searching the Internet for Gov Docs (http://www.google.com/unclesam)
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GPO Access - GPO Access is a service of the U.S. Government Printing Office that provides free electronic access to information produced by the Federal Government.
Introduction to Census | What is in Randall Library? | City Data | Census Tracts and Blocks | Comparing Data | Historical Census Data | 1990 Census | Census 2000 | Online Resources | Census Terminology Glossary | Where to go for Help | Census Citations
Important Tools: American
FactFinder | Censtats
| LINC
The first census was conducted in 1790 and counted 3.9 million people. Then the census was taken in the 13 original states, plus the districts of Kentucky, Maine, Vermont, and the Southwest Territory (of Tennessee). Federal Marshalls asked six questions: name of head of family and number of persons in household, and the number of persons in each household of the following descriptions: Free White males 16 years and upward, free White males under 16 years, free White females, all other free persons (by sex and color) and slaves.
Census 2000, taken April 1, 2000, counted 281,421,906 people in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. The questionnaire included seven questions for each household: name, sex, age, relationship, Hispanic origin, race, and whether the housing unit was owned or rented. In addition to these seven questions, about 17 percent of the households got a much longer questionnaire including questions about ancestry, income, mortgage, and size of the housing unit. Census 2000 not only counted the population, but also sampled the socio-economic status of the population, providing a tool for government, educators, business owners, and others to get a snapshot of the state of the nation.
The U.S. Constitution, Article I, Section 2 mandates that an apportionment of representatives among the states, for the House of Representatives, be carried out every ten years (decennially). Apportionment is the process of dividing the 435 seats in the US House of Representatives among the 50 states. Congress decides the method to carry out the apportionment and, since 1940, has used the method of 'equal proportions' in accordance with Title 2, US Code.
Using equal portions, each state is assigned one congressional seat (as provided by the Constitution). The apportionment formula then allocates the remaining 385 seats one at a time among the 50 states until all 435 seats are assigned.
In addition to apportionment, the decennial census results are used to:
- distribute almost $200 billion annually in Federal and state, local, and tribal funds;
- draw state legislative districts;
- evaluate the success of programs or identify populations in need of services;
- and many other purposes. The URL http://www.census.gov/dmd/www/content.htm has a comprehensive review of each of the questions and why it is asked.
Modified From: Census 2000 Basics (http://www.census.gov/mso/www/c2000basics/chapter2.htm)
Searching Randall Library's Online Catalog for Census Data
From the library catalog do a SUBJECT search. Type UNITED STATES CENSUS to retrieve all census materials located in the library.
For a specific census, type
in UNITED STATES CENSUS and the number of the census. For
example:
Type UNITED STATES CENSUS 22nd to retrieve records for the
2000 census (the 22nd census of the United States).
To find the reports for a specific state, use the subject heading [state] CENSUS 2000, e.g., NORTH CAROLINA CENSUS 2000.
To find reports on specific cities, it is best to use the KEYWORD search option. Type [city] CENSUS, e.g., WILMINGTON CENSUS or use a SUBJECT search for a county, e.g., New Hanover County (N.C.) -- Census, 9th, 1870.
American Fact Finder (Geography Search)
1. Select Census Data you wish to retrieve
2. Limit to state (North Carolina)
3. Type in name of city (e.g., Wilmington)
4. Select town or city
5. Click "OK"
6. Select data file you wish to retrieve
Also use: Geographic Comparison Tables
What is a Census Tract?
A census tract is a small statistical subdivision of a county. Census tract data allows a user to find population and housing statistics about a specific part of an urban area. This is particularly important when you want information about part of a city. A single community may be composed of several census tracts.(Another definition)
A small, relatively permanent statistical subdivision of a county
delineated by a local committee of census data users for the purpose of
presenting data. Census tract boundaries normally follow visible features,
but may follow governmental unit boundaries and other non-visible features
in some instances; they always nest within counties. Designed to be
relatively homogeneous units with respect to population characteristics,
economic status, and living conditions at the time of establishment,
census tracts average about 4,000 inhabitants. They may be split by any
sub-county geographic entity.
Block group (BG)
A subdivision of a census tract (or, prior to 2000, a block numbering
area), a block group is the smallest geographic unit for which the Census
Bureau tabulates sample data. A block group consists of all the blocks
within a census tract with the same beginning number.
Example: block group 3 consists of all blocks within a 2000 census tract
numbering from 3000 to 3999. In 1990, block group 3 consisted of all
blocks numbered from 301 to 399Z.
Block
A subdivision of a census tract (or, prior to 2000, a block numbering
area), a block is the smallest geographic unit for which the Census Bureau
tabulates 100-percent data. Many blocks correspond to individual city
blocks bounded by streets, but blocks - especially in rural areas -
may include many square miles and may have some boundaries that are not
streets. The Census Bureau established blocks covering the entire nation
for the first time in 1990. Previous censuses back to 1940 had blocks
established only for part of the nation. Over 8 million blocks are
identified for Census 2000.
Enter a street address to find Census 2000 data for tracts and blocks
OR
Use the following guides to help you search for data on tracts and blocks:
http://library.csun.edu/mfinley/census90.html
http://library.csun.edu/mfinley/soc410.html
http://www.lib.unc.edu/reference/instruction/plcmc/plcmcstaff.html
Guide to Historical Population and Housing Census Statistics and Maps for Small Area Geography: Blocks, Block Groups, Census Tracts, County Subdivisions, ZIP Codes, and similar areas, 1910 - 1990
A Guide to American FactFinder Geography and Functionality
Census Tract Relationship Files
- As part of the Census 2000 geographic product series, the Census Bureau has produced Census Tract Relationship Files. (In previous censuses, this product was called a comparability file.) These files show how 1990 census tracts relate to Census 2000 census tracts. The files consist of one record per each 1990 census tract/2000 census tract spatial set. A spatial census tract set is defined as the area that is uniquely shared between a 1990 census tract and a 2000 census tract.
Community Information by Zip Code
- Provides an extensive list of sources of information that are searchable by zip code. Includes population, education, health, environment, business, and political information sources. Note also the information provided in the section on Zip Code Basics that allow you to match a zip code to a city, a city to a zip code, or use a geographic correspondence engine.
You can create "Custom Tables" of data through the American FactFinder Custom Tables feature. This allows you to compare two or more geographic areas (such as comparing a city to a tract or a city to a state).
Historical US Census Data
- Population, demographics, and economic data for all states and counties, from the United States decennial census, 1790 - 1970.
Historical Census Browser (UVA)
- Census data files from 1790 - 1960. This site allows you to browse the data files for each decade and choose from the lists of variables. You can produce lists of data by state or county that can be sorted, calculate proportions, or graph any of the variables.
Measuring America: the Decennial
Censuses from 1790 to 2000
Government
Documents C 3.2:M 46/2
URL: http://www.census.gov/prod/www/abs/ma.html
- Measuring America provides a brief historical look at the decennial censuses, focusing on the questionnaires and instructions given, and the kinds of information gathered by each census. Included are illustrations of the actual census forms used, and a table to help determine the questions asked in each census. This source also provides information about locating historical statistics. While it does not include statistical data, Measuring America provides an overview of the evolution of the U.S. Census over time.
1990 Census of Population & Housing (Guide)
Census Publications:
CD-ROM (Ask for these at the Reference Desk) 1990 Census of Population and Housing: Summary Tape File 1A. (100% data.) North Carolina & South Carolina are on the disc labeled South Atlantic Division, Volume 2. 1990 Census of Population and Housing: Block Statistics Summary Tape File 1B.(100% data) 1990 Census of Population and Housing: Summary Tape File 3A. (Sample data.) North Carolina divided on 2 discs, arranged alphabetically by county.
Printed Report Series 1990 Census of Housing: Detailed Housing Characteristics U.S. Documents Collection C3.224/3:990 CH-2- 1990 Census of Housing: General Housing Characteristics (100% data) North Carolina volume: Ready Reference HA201 1990 .A462 Other states: U.S. Documents Collection C3.224/3:990 CH-1- 1990 Census of Population: General Population Characteristics (100% data) North Carolina volume: Ready Reference HA201 1990 .A463 Other states: U.S. Documents Collection C3.223/6:990 CP-1- 1990 Census of Population and Housing: Summary Population and Housing Characteristics (100% data) North Carolina volume: Ready Reference HA201 1990 .A46 Other states: U.S. Documents Collection C3.223/18:990 CPH-1- 1990 Census of Population and Housing: Summary Social, Economic, and Housing Characteristics (Sample data) North Carolina volume: Ready Reference HA201 1990 .A461 Other states: U.S. Documents Collection C3.223/23:990 CPH-5- 1990 Census of Population and Housing: Characteristics for Census Tracts and Block Numbering Areas (100% and Sample data.) U.S. Documents Collection C3.223/11:990 CPH-3- Wilmington, NC MSA: U.S. Documents Collection C3.223/11:990 CPH-3-340
Quick Start for Census 2000 Data:
The first place to start searching for census data is the American
FactFinder website. FactFinder is the official source for
Census 2000 data on the web
URL: http://factfinder.census.gov/Introductory
Materials for Census 2000:
Census 2000 Basics
UNCW
US Documents C 3.2:B 29/2000
URL: http://www.census.gov/mso/www/c2000basics
- Census 2000 Basics provides a brief introduction to the history, methods, and terminology of the U.S. Census. Basics discusses the importance of the U.S. Census and describes some of the activities of the U.S. Census Bureau. Basics also explains the various geographies analyzed by the census, and provides a hierarchy of census areas. This publication provides information on various census products and sources, and contact information for Census Bureau offices nationwide.
Sources for Census 2000 data:
U.S. Census Bureau
URL: http://www.census.gov/
- The U.S. Census Bureau website provides information about the many activities of the Census Bureau and its various publications, and provides links to online tools for finding data. The website includes an A to Z subject guide to the census, links to publications available in PDF format, and linkable population clocks that estimate current national and world populations.
American FactFinder
URL: http://factfinder.census.gov/
- The American FactFinder is the official interface for distributing the 1990 and 2000 Census of Population and Housing, the 1997 Economic Census, and the American Community Surveys. The site is updated with new data as it becomes available to the public. FactFinder provides many options for finding, viewing, printing, and downloading various data sets. FactFinder also allows the creation of reference and thematic and maps. User-selected tables of data are downloadable in ASCII (text) or CSV (comma separated value) formats.
Your Gateway to Census 2000
URL: http://www.census.gov/main/www/cen2000.html
- Your Gateway to Census 2000 provides numerous links to in-depth information about Census 2000, including technical data and documentation. This site provides links to several American FactFinder options, including street address searching, "quick facts," and "data highlights." The website also provides lists of special summary publications and reports, a glossary of Census terminology, and contact information for the Census Bureau.
2000 Census of Population and
Housing. Summary Population and Housing Characteristics (PHC-1): v. 1,
United States.
URL: http://www.census.gov/prod/cen2000/
- This two-part publication provides tables of data on many subjects for various geography levels across the United States. This title is the first in a series of similar publications, one for each state, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico. Tables of both 100-percent and sample data are included, from the national and regional levels, down to metropolitan areas and places.
Summary Files: the four primary collections of electronic census data.
Census 2000. Summary File 1:
Data available via American FactFinder: http://factfinder.census.gov/
- Summary file 1 includes the 100-percent statistics derived from the short-form survey of the entire United States population. (The short-form asks all households a limited number of questions about relationships, sex, age, race, Hispanic or Latino origin, and tenure.) The data on this DVD is keyword searchable and browseable, and allows users to download, manipulate, and format data with more flexibility than with the online data sets.
Census 2000, Summary File 2:
Data available via American FactFinder: http://factfinder.census.gov/
- Summary file 2 includes 100-percent population and housing characteristics from the short-form questionnaire. The data is available for a selected list of detailed race and Hispanic or Latino groups, American Indian, and Alaska Native tribes. A CD-ROM version will be published containing complete data for each state.
Census 2000 Summary File 3:
Data available via American FactFinder: http://factfinder.census.gov/
- Summary file 3 includes all data derived from the long-form, sample questionnaire. This includes all data on marital status, citizenship, residency, language, rooms, plumbing, and more. Because of the sensitive nature of some census questions, some of this data is not made available at the block group level or below in order to protect the privacy of individuals. (Note: The UWM Libraries collect this title on CD-ROM for State of Wisconsin data only.)
Census 2000, Summary File 4:
Data available via American FactFinder: http://factfinder.census.gov/
- Summary file 4 contains population and housing data collected from a sample of the population. The data are shown down to the census tract level for 336 race, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian and Alaska Native, and ancestry categories.
Supplementary sources for Census 2000 data:
Statistical Abstract of the United
States
UNCW
Ready Reference
HA202 .A3
URL: http://www.census.gov/statab/www/
- In publication since 1878, this source provides tables of statistics on population, health, education, business, agriculture, and more. The Abstract includes national, state, and selected metropolitan areas, and international data. Much of the information in the Abstract is taken directly from Census 2000. The Abstract is available online; print (REF) HA 202 or (Stacks) HA 202; CD-ROM (REF/CD-ROM) HA 202 .A34x (available at the Information Desk).
County and City Data Book: 2000
UNCW
Reference HA 202 .A36 2000
URL: http://www.census.gov/statab/www/ccdb.html
- In publication since 1944, the Data Book is a detailed supplement to the Statistical Abstract of the United States. The Data Book provides numerous statistical tables showing characteristics for U.S. states, counties, and cities or places/MCDs. Data is available for population, sex, race, health, income, business, agriculture, and more. The Data Book includes maps outlining states, counties and various metropolitan areas, and provides a list of contacts for further information.
U.S. Summary 2000: Census 2000
Profile
URL: http://www.census.gov/prod/2002pubs/c2kprof00-us.pdf
-
This Special Report is a brief statistical
summary of the population of the United States. The Summary
includes tables of data on the major demographic, social, economic, and
housing characteristics. Also included are colorized maps showing
population density by county, and small-colorized charts dividing the
population by race, sex and age, and housing tenure.
For a list of similar publications see: http://www.census.gov/prod/cen2000/index.html.
Census 2000 Briefs
URL: http://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs.html
- The Census 2000 Briefs are various publications, with each individual title highlighting a specific aspect of the American population. Topics include population change, race, age, and gender, new congressional districting, and the United States in an international context. Each brief includes statistical tables and a summary article discussing the data and trends. The website also provides access to Special Reports, on issues of diversity and racial segregation, marriage, and overall population and housing trends (e.g., Mapping Census 2000, below).
Mapping Census 2000, the Geography of
U.S. Diversity.
URL: http://www.census.gov/population/cen2000/atlas/censr01-1.pdf
- Mapping Census 2000 is a Special Report providing a collection of color-coded maps detailing aspects of racial diversity in the United States. Each map illustrates the percentages of population per county of a specific race or ethnic heritage. This publication is also available on CD-ROM in (AGSL/CD-ROM) 800 C-2000d.
United States Census 2000: Redistricting
Data (Public Law 94-171)
URL: http://www.census.gov/clo/www/redistricting.html
- Census
2000 Questionnaires
- 2000
Census Data
- Census
Geography and Maps
- Race
and Hispanic Origin: 2000 v. Earlier Censuses
- Earlier
Census Data
- Reference Materials and Indexes to Article
Bureau
of the Census Home Page
A-Z Index Subject for data tables and reports
- This index points to text reports, data tables, and some pdf images of printed reports; including some information that may not be published elsewhere. Information is obtained from the decennial census and from the on going surveys and special analysis done by the Bureau.
- This access tool allows for obtaining
either profiles or detailed tables from a variety of Census sources
including the Census of Population, the Economic Census, and the
America Community Survey. Click
here for links to American FactFinder tutorials.
A-Z Index to Reports in PDF format
- PDF files produce images of the printed page. All reports in this index are available in pdf format for viewing and printing, and will also be available in print either in the Libraries' collection or for purchase. This list includes all publications that are made available in print since January 1996, plus several 1990 census and 1992 publications. Newly released publications often first appear here.
Economic Census
- Use this retrieval tool to obtain, either by state, county or congressional district, general profiles (including those from the publication USA Counties), County Business Patterns Economic Profiles, or to retrieve data from the 1990 decennial census data tables using the Bureau's Data Lookup tool.
- This is a link to the latest economic indicators. It is one of the choices on the Bureau's news releases page. Also consult the Lockwood Guide, Economic Statistics: Current U.S. Data for a detailed list of current to medium term data published by many branches of the government.
- This is links to the complete list of access tools offered by the Bureau. In addition to those described above, there are links to data extraction tools for microdata from various surveys done by the Bureau.
U.S. Census Bureau Catalog and Guide
- An annual publication of the Bureau that describes its publications.
Census Tract Relationship Files
- As part of the Census 2000 geographic product series, the Census Bureau has produced Census Tract Relationship Files. (In previous censuses, this product was called a comparability file.) These files show how 1990 census tracts relate to Census 2000 census tracts. The files consist of one record per each 1990 census tract/2000 census tract spatial set. A spatial census tract set is defined as the area that is uniquely shared between a 1990 census tract and a 2000 census tract.
- A brief glossary of geographic terms you might run into as you look for census materials.
- Use this to identify places to view with the Tiger Map Server or obtain census data from the 1990 Census Lookup server. You can search for places, counties or MCDs by entering the name and state abbreviation (optional), or 5-digit zip code.
Eileen Brown (Government Documents Librarian)
Here is an example of how to cite census data in APA format:
U.S. Census Bureau. 2000.
"Census 2000 Summary File 3 (SF3) - Sample Data, Table P19 Age by
Language Spoken at Home by Ability to Speak English for the Population 5
Years and Over". Retrieved 25 September 2002 from U.S. Census http://factfinder.census.gov.
Last Update: December 12, 2005