Getting Started - U.S. Census Statistics - Guides at Michigan State University Libraries

Key Census Bureau Publications

Statistical Abstract of the United States

The first source for statistics on all aspects of population, economy and society in the United States.
1878-present.
Historical Statistics of the United States (Millennial Edition)

Topics ranging from migration and health to crime and the Confederate States of America are each placed in historical context by a recognized expert in the field. Graph individual tables or combine data into "custom tables" and download tables for use in spreadsheets and other applications.
County and City Data Book

Provides demographic, social and economic statistics for regions, divisions, states, counties and cities.
Older editions
County, Metro and Zip Code Business Patterns

Summary statistics of business establishments with one or more paid employees. Annual compilation of employees, payroll and establishments by industry for US, states, counties, MSAs or Zip Code areas.

Background Information

A Compass for Understanding and Using American Community Survey Data

A series of handbooks for different audiences providing guidance in understanding and using the American Community Survey.

Encyclopedia of the U.S. census

ISBN: 9781608710256

Publication Date: 2012

Describes the history, politics, and concepts behind the United States decennial census. The economic and agriculture censuses and other surveys taken by the Census Bureau are also identified and discussed.

Industry research using the economic census : how to find it, how to use it - Jennifer C. Boettcher and Leonard M. Gaines

Call Number: Government Documents Reference HC101 .B594 2004

"explains Census concepts, methods, terminology, and data sources in an understandable manner, and assists Census users in locating needed Census data."

Interactive Map: 1910-2010

Population change, density and apportionment over the years.

Measuring America: The Decennial Censuses From 1790 to 2000

Call Number: MSU CENSUS REFERENCE C 3.2:M 46/2

"Provides census questionnaires and instructions for decennial censuses from 1790-2000. It also presents a history of the decennial censuses from 1790 to 2000 and offers individual histories of the U.S. census from the first (1790) to the sixteenth (1940). Later censuses are discussed in more detail."