The U.S. government collects and compiles statistics on an enormous number of subjects. The American Census, for example, can be a goldmine of statistical information. However, census data is vast and is therefore difficult to navigate without help. Fortunately, there are key sources for statistical research that you can use as guides such as the Statistical Abstract of the United States, the American Statistical Index, and the Index to International Statistics.

If you need basic statistics such as those collected by U.S. government agencies, consult the Statistical Abstract of the United States. The Statistical Abstract is published by the U.S. Census Bureau and contains a collection of statistics on social and economic conditions in the U.S., a guide to sources of other data from other federal agencies and private organizations, and selected international data. Keep in mind that many of its statistics are based on the most recent available U.S. Census information and may be somewhat out of date. The Statistical Abstract is a handy resource for such information as historical Consumer Price Index information. Most charts in the Statistical Abstract are based on more detailed government documents which you may need to track down if the published summary isn't sufficient.

The most current edition of the Statistical Abstract is available at the Library's Reference Desk (HA 202 .U6), while older editions are available on the 8th Floor.  The Statistical Abstract is also available as PDF files (from 1995 to the present) on the Web at http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab. 

In addition to the Statistical Abstract, the Census Bureau produces a large number of publications that compile and analyze data obtained from the decennial census. The Census Bureau's Web site (http://www.census.gov) provides quick access to U.S. demographic information and is keyword searchable. You can also check the Library's online catalog for various print titles which are available in the Library.

If you are looking for statistics on crime, prisons, and related topics, you might want to use the Department of Justice Web site (http://www.usdoj.gov).  The DOJ produces extensive statistics on these topics, including FBI and Bureau of Justice statistical materials.  You can also check the Library's online catalog for various print titles.

A good way to find "hidden" statistics is to use the American Statistical Index (ASI).  The ASI abstracts and indexes statistical charts within publications. This can be a very useful resource because it may not be clear from a publication's title that it contains statistical information. Please note that the ASI only provides citation information. If you find an abstract on point, you must then locate the publication cited, either in the Library or via an interlibrary loan request.

OTHER ONLINE RESOURCES

Many other government and non-government websites are also useful and convenient sources of statistical research.

Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts

The Administrative Office of the United States Courts offers statistical reports on the federal courts' caseloads.

Bureau of Labor Statistics

The Bureau of Labor Statistics is the principal fact-finding agency for the federal government in the broad field of labor economics and statistics and provides information such as the Consumer Price Index and the Unemployment Rate.

FedStats

FedStats provides a wide range of official statistics collected and published by more than 100 federal agencies such as economic and population trends, education, health care costs, aviation safety, foreign trade, energy use, and farm production.

Lexis
Statistical information is available in the Reference folder.

Statistical Resources on the Web
Statistical Resources is a comprehensive portal to statistics on agriculture, business and industry, consumers, cost of living, demographics, economics, education, energy, environment, finance and currency, foreign economics, foreign governments, foreign trade, government finances, health, housing, labor, military, politics, science, sociology, transportation, and weather.

STAT-USA
Information published by the US Department of Commerce for US business, economic and trade communities. On campus use only. Ask the reference librarian for the password.

USA.gov

USA.gov is an Internet portal that searches more than 51 million web pages from federal, state, local, tribal, and international governments and U.S. territories for government information, sources, and resources.

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