Census Data Resources: Make Maps, Reports and Data Extracts
It's Easy to Make Census Maps Online
Chapel Hill - Durham - Raleigh Health Insurance Coverage by County, 2019
This map was created with ArcGIS Online. Interactive maps are easy to make and can be shared or embedded in websites. The Demographics and Lifestyle group provides ready-made datasets you can use to make easy interactive maps. See the ArcGIS Online documentation to get started.
Map From Social Explorer: 2010 Population Density by Census Tract
You can make a single map, side by side or swipe map of a variety of census demographic information for webpages and presentations in Social Explorer. Simple instructions for using Social Explorer map tools can be found here.
How to Cite These Resources
- Social ExplorerCiting Social Explorer
- NHGIS Citation and UseNational Historical GIS Instructions for Citations
- SimplyAnalyticsCiting SimplyAnalytics
For more information see our guide:
- How To Cite DataA library guide with information on how to cite data sets.
Librarian Favorites
- Social ExplorerMake reports and download demographic data tables from 1940 to 2019. Create maps in an easy-to-use interface (see their how-to videos). Maps can be exported as PowerPoint presentations or as images. GIS users: see the instructions below for help using this data in ArcMap.
- Social Explorer How-To Videos
- How to Use Social Explorer Data in ArcMap
- These instructions walk GIS users through the process of downloading data from Social Explorer and importing it into ArcMap. When downloading data extracts, use the Data Download tab and select the "Output DBF friendly column names" option for best results.
- Census Bureau's data.census.gov DatabaseThe Bureau's primary public access point for all data.
- Census APIsResearchers accustomed to coding or APIs may prefer to use the Census APIs to pull data. APIs may not be available for every survey, but this page lists everything available. How-to Materials are available. Consider joining the U.S. Census Bureau's #apis Slack channel to ask questions. (If you need an invitation to join, contact Michele Hayslett from the last tab of this guide.)
- Census Bureau Data via FTPAllows users to select large amounts of data for download. This link is specific to the American Community Survey data but provides important information for all FTP users.
- SimplyAnalyticsThis is a web-based mapping application useful for creating thematic maps and reports. There is an extensive selection of demographic, business and marketing data available.
- The National Historical Geographic Information System (NHGIS)Over 12,000 aggregate census tables and 430 GIS shapefiles spanning the entire United States from 1790 to present, available for free download.
- International Historical Geographic Information System (IHGIS)Tabular and GIS data from population, housing, and agricultural censuses around the world, available for free download.
- PolicyMapAccess social, economic, health and demographic data about U.S. communities and markets in this online mapping tool. View data on map, in table or chart format, and download via the sidebar menu. Reports provide a summary snapshot of an area: Community Profile, Community Health Profile, Rental Housing Report, and Housing Mortgage Report.
How to evaluate which tool to use
Social Explorer is the easiest tool to use but other tools may be more appropriate in certain circumstances.
- What year do you need?
data.census.gov has only the most recent years of its surveys; Social Explorer has all.
- What geography do you need?
data.census.gov has all available geographies; Social Explorer has the most common ones.
- Which variable(s) do you need?
data.census.gov has all available variables; Social Explorer doesn’t have variables that involve some suppression.
- Are the pre-fabricated tables sufficient or do you need to create your own?
Only Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) tools* allow you to create your own, such as the Bureau's /mdat/ tool or IPUMS USA.
- Do you need to make a map without using GIS?
Social Explorer has this capability. (Note, the Maps interface has fewer variables than the Tables interface.)
- Do you need microdata?
Access PUMS data* either through the Census Bureau's /mdat/ tool, or through IPUMS USA. (Only available geographies are public use microdata areas [PUMAs, 100,000 people minimum], super-PUMAs [500,000 people minimum] or higher levels of geography, e.g., states.) Another option is to apply to use the Triangle Census Research Data Center through the Carolina Population Center, but this is a long-term process—six months or more.
- What data do you need?
data.census.gov has most of the (current) Bureau surveys; Social Explorer has a wider variety of datasets (including some non-U.S. ones); /mdat/* has the Current Population Survey (but not its full history). IPUMS offers all years of the decennial Census and ACS, and the CPS back to 1962.
*If you need to use microdata and need assistance, contact the Librarian for Numeric Data Services and Data Management.
