Demographics

General Statistics

The federal government collects and reports statistical information for a wide range of demographic and economic topics. You can search for collected information at http://www.fedstats.gov/. The White House has also prepared a compilation of frequently requested topics on their web site. The greatest source of demographic information can be found at the AmericanFactfinder, the Census Bureaus web site for disseminating Census 2000 data.

During each decade, the Census Bureau collects data on a variety of different subjects, including economic and business related, housing, and special demographic tabulations. See Subjects A to Z to locate the information you need. The Statistical Abstract of the United States is a compendium of statistics from a variety of government and other publications.

Sometimes, information on best customers or target markets can be found within articles in newspapers and magazines. American Demographics is the primary resource for market research articles. Their web site provides snippets of information for free and full articles for a nominal fee.

The Population Reference Bureau provides overviews of their studies at www.prb.org.

Sources of Data by Geography State, MSA and County

• State & County Quickfacts Most recent economic and demographic estimates by State and County.
• CensusScope Create eye-catching charts and tables for key demographic variables by State or MSA.
• FDIC Regional Economic Conditions (RECON) Nice charts and tables of economic indicators by MSA and County. Includes statistics on bankruptcies, housing, employment, and income.
• County Business Patterns - employment and establishment data for counties, ZIP Codes, and Metropolitan Areas for 1993 to 2000
• Migration Datacan be charted on this web site. See migration by year for the 1990s for MSAs and States. ZIP Code
• Acorn Lifestyle Lookup- see 2001 demographic estimates and geo-demographic lifestyle data.
• Don't know the ZIP Code? Look up the ZIP Code for any address here.
• Use MelissaData.com to find out what ZIP codes are within a certain radius of your primary ZIP code.

Ring Studies

• ICSC Ring Analysis (1990 Free Data)
• The Right Site 2000 Census Data (Free)

Sources of Data by Subject

Agriculture and Forestry 1997 Census of Agriculture - statistical information about farms and farming (USDA). American Indians/Alaskan Natives Facts on the American Indian/Alaska Native Population - fact sheet and links to American Indian/Alaska Native data from the Census Bureau.

Asians/Pacific Islanders Facts on the Asian/Pacific Island Population - fact sheet and links to Asian/Pacific Islander data from the Census Bureau.

Blacks/African Americans Facts on the Black/African American Population - fact sheet and links to Black/African American data from the Census Bureau. Business & Economic Data 1997 Economic Census- business establishment data for the nation, states, MSAs, counties and cities.

EconData.net- another webliography of economic related data sources.

Computer and Internet Use

• CyberAtlas - compendium of online statistics.
• Computer Use and Ownership national data from the Census Bureaus Current Population Survey.
• Pew Internet & American Life Research on the hyperspace use. Consumer Expenditures Consumer Expenditure Survey consumer expenditure estimates by region and consumer type.

Crime

• Bureau of Justice Statistics - everything you want to know about crime and crime control.

Education/Schools

• National Center for Educational Statistics - from the US Dept. of Education.
• National Child Care Information Center - statistics related to the childcare industry. Employment Bureau of Labor Statistics Official Source for statistics on unemployment, employment and wages.

Healthcare, Aging and Vital Statistics

• Demographic Characteristics of the Aging Population compiled by the Administration on Aging.
• Statistics on Healthcare and Healthcare Expenditures from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
• National Center for Health Statistics - vital (births & deaths) and health statistics for the nation and states.

Hispanics

• Hispanic Research provides overview of Hispanic market.
• Facts on the Hispanic/Latino Population fact sheet and links to Hispanic/Latino data from the Census Bureau.

Housing

• American Housing Survey - US Census Survey of Housing in metropolitan areas (2001).
• Housing & Urban Development (HUD) Research - recent research about affordable housing.

Religious Affiliation and Attitudes

• Adherents.com - find out how many Methodists (or other religious adherents) are in your state. Compilation of data from several different sources.
• American Religion Data Archive Create maps and charts of religious affiliation by state and county. Access to other surveys on religious affiliation and opinion. Funded by the Lilly Endowment through the Pennsylvania State University.
• American Religious Identification Survey conducted by the City University of New York. Key findings and statistics for the Unites States can be found on this web site.
• Barna Research conducts public opinion surveys of Christians and provides analysis of Christian Churches.
• Hartford Institute for Religion Research a source for various studies on culture and religion. Includes links to other research centers and denominational statistical offices.
• North American Jewish Databank statistics are not available online, but information on research conducted nationwide and in various communities can be found here. Contact information for data sources is provided.
• Religious Congregations and Membership: 2000is a report from the Glenmary Research Center. This Catholic group conducts a census of religious bodies every decade at the same time as the U.S. Census. Highlights and summary information can be found at the web site along with information on how to purchase the full report.
• Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches is a book published yearly by the National Council of Churches in the USA. Includes statistical information on religious congregations as well as contact information for denominational offices. Includes most religious bodies found in Canada and the United States. The web site includes current statistics for Christian denominations who are members of the NCCUSA.