Government Information Resources
Importance of Government Data & Statistics
Government agencies and departments generate a wide array of data and statistics covering various aspects of society, the economy, public services, the environment, and more. The data and statistics are the result of studies conducted by experts at these various agencies and departments who have specialized knowledge in their organization's area. Academic research in various disciplines often rely on these data or statistics as part of their analyses. A few example cases where you might want to use data or statistics in your research include:
- Education: using statistics from the Department of Education to study educational outcomes.
- Environmental Science: utilizing data from the Environmental Protection Agency to evaluate the impact of humans on air quality.
- Business: analyzing data from the Census Bureau to study consumer demographics in a specific region.
By using government data or statistics, you are supporting your research with reliable and authoritative information.
Data and Statistics Resources
The following websites and databases are a good place to start your search for government data and statistics. This is not an exhaustive list, but is instead intended to give you the most helpful resources that cover the widest range of topics or that are the most commonly used. If you do not find the information you're looking for, consider which government agency or department would be most likely to research your topic and search their website directly.
- Data.govThe home of the U.S. Government’s open data, with datasets from agencies across the government. Here you will find data, tools, and resources to conduct research, develop web and mobile applications, design data visualizations, and more.
- Census BureauExtensive collection of statistical reports and data about U.S. people and economics.
- Bureau of Economic Analysis (U.S. Department of Commerce)Access to national, regional, international and industry economic accounts data. Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Personal Income and Outlays, Consumer Spending, Trade in Goods & Services, Annual Industry Accounts, GDP by State & Metropolitan Area.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (U.S. Department of Labor)The principal fact-finding agency for the federal government in the broad field of labor, economics, and statistics. It provides data on employment, wages, inflation, productivity, and many other topics.
- Bureau of Justice StatisticsCriminal justice and correctional data for the United States
- National Center for Education StatisticsThis unit of the U.S. Department of Education provides full-text Web access to many of their major statistical reports on education in the United States.
- National Center for Health StatisticsPresents statistics and reports on diseases and conditions; injuries; births and deaths; insurance; medical facilities; and more.
- Historical Statistics of the United States This link opens in a new windowTopics range from American Indians, slavery, poverty, race, ethnicity, migration and health to crime and the Confederate States of America are each placed in historical context by a recognized expert in the field.
- Sage Data This link opens in a new windowExplore a vast collection of U.S. and international statistics in Sage Data. With this dynamic tool, you can scan and search the contents of billions of datasets, compare and contrast variables of interest, and create customized views in tables, maps, rankings, and charts. Views also include descriptive summaries of the datasets and data sources. Datasets cover a wide range of subjects – including business, finance, banking, economics, sociology, political science, demography, agriculture, education, international studies, criminal justice, housing and construction, labor and employment, energy resources and industries, and more. Sources include public, private/commercial, and nongovernmental organizations.
- Social Explorer This link opens in a new windowProvides quick and easy access to current and historical census data and demographic information. Note Requires registering a free account once you access the database.
