Research Guides: IDSC 235: Perspectives in Public Health: Population Data

Finding Population Data

Population, or demographic data, is often included in other statistical sites. Political, health, and environmental datasets often include data about the population.

About Census Geographic Data

What's the difference between a Census block and tract? When should you use City boundaries and when should you use Metropolitan Statistical Area (and what's a Micropolitan Statistical Area)?

Population and Demographics data

data.census.gov This link opens in a new window
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Statistical population, housing, economic, and geographic data from the United States Census. Replaces American FactFinder.

United Nations Statistics Division - Demographic and Social Statistics
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WDI: World Development Indicators This link opens in a new window
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Statistical data for development indicators and time series data for over 200 countries and 18 country groups. Data includes social, economic, financial, natural resources, and environmental indicators. Covers 1960 - present.
Note: For data documentation, see the print reference book: World Development Indicators, at call number Ref HC 59.15 .W656.
Statistical Abstract of the United States This link opens in a new window
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(Searches through citations and the full text)
A comprehensive summary of statistics on the social, political, and economic organization of the United States. Covers 1878 - present.
FCSM: Federal Committee on Statistical Methodology (Formerly Fedstats) This link opens in a new window
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Official statistical information available to the public from the Federal Government.

TIGER/line Shapefiles

TIGER = Topologically Integrated Geographic Encoding and Referencing

TIGER/line shapefiles are the outlines of all the different legal boundaries and names used by the Census Bureau when they collect data. This includes States, Counties, Cities, Metropolitan Areas, Blocks, Tracts, and more. They also include roads, rivers, and railroads.

TIGER Products
Links to TIGER products with a chart to help you decide which product you need.
How do I know which vintage to use
pdf that walks through which vintage shapefiles to use.