This workshop covers several sources that are useful for finding local area statistics.

Is there an index?

I. Statistical Universe (Library Gateway, Find Databases)

This is a huge index. It can be helpful, but sometimes it is difficult to focus the search. You may need to wade through many results before finding something relevant. In some cases, Statistical Universe won't lead you directly to the statistics, however, it can still be helpful for getting a sense of the kinds of materials thay may be available (including publishing bodies, agencies, etc.)

Use category checkboxes cautiously. In some cases, they tend to be too limiting. On the other hand, sometimes these categories are very helpful.

Sample search:

Searching for manufacturing statistics, by state, will result in over 1,000 hits, and the search will not be processed. Adding another level, by county, returns 75 hits.

II. Statistics Sources Olin Ref Z 7551.S79

This print source is very nicely laid out. For some searches, Statistics Sources may be easier to use than Statistical Universe.

III. Statistical Abstract of the United States Print and online.

Statistical Abstracts is useful, however, it does not include county data. One nice feature of Statistical Abstracts is that everything is well-documented.

Example: Tables 597, 598. Shows source of data.

Two useful guides in Appendix I of Statistical Abstracts

1. Guide to State Statistical Abstracts.

   Best bibliography of state statistical sources you are likely to find. Identifies publishing body for stats. Caution: Many of these are not online, or, are rather haphazard.

   

   
   

2. Guide to Foreign Statistical Abstracts

The CDROM version has one added feature: it will load data into an Excel spreadsheet

IV. Using secondary literature, such as Econlit

Sometimes examining the secondary literature can be helpful. You may be able to find another study that cites some useful statistical sources for a particular type of question.

V. U.S. Census

Background Sources

• Encyclopedia of the U.S. Census Olin Ref HA 37.U55
• Understanding the Census Olin Ref HA 37.U52 1996

U.S. Census Bureau

American Factfinder

     --Detailed Tables
         -- Datasets

Datasets include 4 Summary files:

• 100% data (SF1)*
• 100% data (SF2), more detailed, cross-tabulated
• Sample data (SF 3) 1-6 households
• Sample data (SF 4) more detailed, cross-tabulated

Sample search: Select SF 1, Detailed tables:

*SF 1, the 100% count, provides basic population and basic housing statistics. SF 3, the sample data, offers more categories, however SF 1 provides more detailed geographic breakdowns -- down to the block level.

Click on Show all Geography Types

For an excellent explanation of census geography, click on Explain Geography

Note: There are two kinds of census geography -- governmental units and subunits (state, county, city, etc) and census units, including tracts, blockgroups, blocks. Tracts never cross county boundaries.

Cool feature: Geo within Geo

Use Reference Maps to determine which tract to choose for a particular area. "Map it"

Thematic Mapping

• Click Theme (link across top) to select a theme
• Percentages work particularly well
• Can use pull-down menu to go down to lower levels of census geography

Custom Tables -- allows you to choose variables!

• From the main FactFinder Datasets page, choose Custom Tables
• Make your geographic selections and move to the next menu
• Choose your variables
• Wa-la!

VI. "Geolytics" (see record below)-- ETC.

Documentation is impenetrable. Choose File/ New Request. Then, Year (Geolytics has tract data back to 1970). Then, Area.
Note: Once you pick the data, you will need to select years again.

 Geolytics Census Disks

Exercises:

Local stats exercises

Created on ..

. March 18, 2004

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