Library Guides: BUSINESS: Subject Guide: Find Data & Statistics

In This Section

In this section, you'll find:

Resources for finding data and statistics
Resources for market research

Data & Statistics

General Resources

Pew Research Center
View research reports and datasets across a variety of topic areas: politics, social trends, science, and more.

Statistical Abstract of the United States
Call Number: REF 000.Un3s
The Statistical Abstract of the United States has provided a statistical portrait of social, political, demographic, and economic conditions of America since 1878.
Note: Recent years are located in the Reference Section; other years are available by request.

Government Resources

Data.gov
Tens of thousands of open-access datasets along with tools for researchers.
Census Data
Provides access to census data for the United States, Puerto Rico and the Island Areas.
Economic Census Data
Every five years, the U.S. Census Bureau collects extensive statistics about businesses. This official count, better known as the Economic Census, serves as the foundation for the measurement of U.S. businesses and their economic impact. This “business” census serves as the most extensive collection of data related to business activity.
Data & Statistics about the U.S.
Find data about the U.S., such as demographic and economic data, population, and maps. Lists and links to federal agencies that report statistics.
United States Department of Agriculture - Economic Research Service
Topics focus on agriculture, including commodity prices, rural economies, and trade/international markets.
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Describes what workers do on the job, working conditions, training and education needed, earnings, and expected job prospects in a wide range of occupations.
U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
U.S. government agency that provides official macroeconomic and industry statistics including the gross domestic product of the United States.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
A unit of the United States Department of Labor. It is the principal fact-finding agency for the U.S. government in the broad field of labor economics and statistics and serves as a principal agency of the U.S. Federal Statistical System.
U.S. Department of Commerce
The Cabinet department of the United States government concerned with promoting economic growth. It oversees several economic organizations, including the Bureau of Economic Analysis, Economic statistics, which provide a comprehensive, up-to-date picture of the U.S. economy.

Other Tools for Market Research

Beyond the data and statistics resources listed above, here are some other resources that may be useful for market research:

Consumer Expenditure Surveys
The Consumer Expenditure Surveys (CE) program provides data on expenditures, income, and demographic characteristics of consumers in the United States. The CE program provides these data in tables, LABSTAT database, news releases, reports, and public use microdata files. From the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Google Trends
Explore search terms, keywords, and market trends with this visual tool from Google.
See the YouTube video below for a brief look at how to use Google Trends for market research.