Statistics

  • Here are some basic resources for finding statical information collected by the government, including census information.
  • Finding statistics can be complex - NC State University Libraries also has a Data Services Librarian available for consulations.

United States

Social Explorer
Online research tool designed to provide quick and easy access to current and historical census data and demographic information. The interface lets users create maps and reports to better illustrate, analyze and understand demography and social change.

ProQuest Statistical Insight
Indexing and full text statistical data from U.S. government publications from 2004 (indexing from 1973), state and private sources from 2007 (indexing from 1980), and international organizations from 2007 (indexing from 1980); and visualization tools.

Historical Statistics of the United States: Earliest Times to the Present (5 vols.)
HA202 .H57 (Learning Commons)
This is a treasure trove of statistical data form the early days of the U.S. up to 2005. Broad topics include: Population; Work and welfare; Economic structure and performance; Economic sectors; and Government and international relations. The online version has the advantage of being able to download and graph tables, as well as create custom tables.

Statistical Abstract of the United States - print
Current year, HA202 .A4 (Learning Commons); Older years in D. H. Hill Jr. Stacks and bookBot

Although also available online, this annual Census Bureau publication is sometimes easier to use in print. The most recent edition is available in the Learning Commons. Use the index to find the table numbers (not page numbers) relevant to your topic. While available nearly every year back to the late 1800s, content varies somewhat from year to year. This resource is not intended to provide time series data. Sources include public and private institutions; while always cited, sources may or may not make data publicaly available beyond what is provided in Statistical Abstract.

National Historical Geographic Information System (NHGIS)
Download U.S. Census data tables and mapping files

North Carolina

Log Into North Carolina (LINC)
Fulfilling the North Carolina State Data Center's mandate to coordinate statistical data produced by state agencies, this resource also provides North Carolina data from some federal agencies. Recent historical coverage back to the 1970s; also includes State Demographer's population projections for future years.

International

International Historical Statistics: The Americas, 1750-2000
HA175 .M55 2003( Learning Commons)

International Historical Statistics: Europe, 1750-2000
HA1107 .M5 2003 (Learning Commons)

International Historical Statistics: Africa, Asia, and Oceana, 1750-2000
HA4675 .M552 2003 (Learning Commons)