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Finding Federal Data and Statistics

Use this guide to find data generated by various statistical agencies and bureaus of the Federal Government

USAFacts

ICPSR University of Michigan

"ICPSR provides leadership and training in data access, curation, and methods of analysis for a diverse and expanding social science research community."

Global Financial Database

"GFD specializes in providing Financial and Economical Data that extends from the 1200s to present—beyond what traditional data vendors provide. For nearly twenty years Global Financial Data has been accumulating and transcribing rare data sources into research-quality databases"
 

Social Explorer

"Social Explorer is an award-winning web application that changes the way we interact with data using maps and reports. From research libraries to the front page of The New York Times, Social Explorer helps people engage with society."

National Historical Geographic Information System

"The National Historical Geographic Information System (NHGIS) provides, free of charge, aggregate census data and GIS-compatible boundary files for the United States between 1790 and 2010."

Pew Research Center

"The Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that provides information on the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world. The center conducts public opinion polling, demographic studies, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. It does not take positions on policy issues."

Brookings Institution

  • "The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC. Our mission is to conduct high-quality, independent research and, based on that research, to provide innovative, practical recommendations that advance three broad goals:

    • Strengthen American democracy;
    • Foster the economic and social welfare, security and opportunity of all Americans and
    • Secure a more open, safe, prosperous and cooperative international system" 
                                   

Cato Institue

"The Cato Institute is a public policy research organization — a think tank — dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets and peace. Its scholars and analysts conduct independent, nonpartisan research on a wide range of policy issues."

Urban Institute

"The Urban Institute gathers data, conducts research, evaluates programs, offers technical assistance overseas, and educates Americans on social and economic issues — to foster sound public policy and effective government."

Public Policy Research Institute

 "...The Public Policy Research Institute (PPRI) serves as a leading interdisciplinary government and social policy research organization. Since inception, PPRI has secured external research contracts totaling $110 million for providing scientific research and evaluative services to more than 90 public and private sponsors engaged in formulating public policy."