Boston College LibGuides @ BC - Community Analysis

About Census Data

The Census Department gathers data from the block level to the national level. This graph below indicates geographic areas from the smallest to the largest.

Census 2000 Geographic Terms and Concepts (U.S. Census Bureau)
Gives descriptions and hierarchy of Census geography from the block level to the national level.

U.S. Postal Service Zip Code (U.S. Postal Service)
Zip Code lookup web site. Note zip codes can change over time when comparing earlier data.

American FactFinder Reference Shelf
Data and map publications from the Census Department.

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Find Data

Start with American FactFinder then explore additional resources.

American FactFinder (U.S. Census Bureau)

American FactFinder from the U.S. Census Bureau provides population, housing, income, economic and geographic data. Selected data from 1990 and 2000 with mapping feature.
County and City Data Book (U.S. Census Bureau)

Database with population, housing, income and labor force data for place, city, county and state. Web interface allowsselection of multiple data elements to download. Selective data back to 1944. For towns not included in historical data use link below.
County and City Data Book 2000 in PDF
1990 Population and Housing Unit Counts: United States (CPH-2)

This pdf file includes Population and Housing Units 1990, 1980, 1970 for both cities and towns for every state. (Table 45).

Source: 1990 Census of Population and Housing.
2000 Census of Population and Housing [PDF]

Summary Social, Economic and Housing Characteristics. Details of demographics, income and housing for every state with complete data.
1990 Census of Population and Housing [PDF]

Summary Social, Economic and Housing Characteristics. Details of demographics, income and housing for every state with complete data.
State and Metropolitan Data Book (U.S. Census Bureau)

The publication provides summary tables of population characteristics and projections, social programs and crime, income data and projections.
State and Local Government on the Net

Provides convenient one-stop access to the websites of thousands of state agencies and city and county governments. Only pages that are controlled and managed by state and local government agencies are included.
Almanac of the 50 States (Burlington, VT, : Information Publications)

Compilations of Basic Data Profiles with Comparative Tables for states.(Latest edition in O'Neill Reference HA203.A5. Earlier in stacks.)
Census Research Guide

More in-depth guide to current and historical census information.
Statistical Abstract of the United States (U.S. Census Bureau

Extremely useful compilation of statistics from federal, state and international sources. Footnotes are particularly helpful in identifying sources for additional information or updated data. Most recent statistics with some historic.
Historical Statistics of the U.S. (BC Community Only)

Statistics going back to the beginning of census data collection.