This guide is a portal for resources with data and statistics. Here are some tips for using the guide and finding data sources. Good luck!
Under the Data and Statistics drop-down menu, browse the various categories in this guide to learn about the many online data sources available. Remember that the descriptions here generally emphasize the resource level rather than the dataset or variable level. Think about how your topic may be categorized.
Examine the literature. This can reveal insights into which datasets others use to investigate your topic. Even if specific datasets are not referenced, you might uncover organizations, government agencies, or others likely to collect related data.
Don’t spend too much time researching a topic before checking if data is available to answer your research question. Write down your ideal data set for the question. Try to locate the data set now; if the available data isn't what you want, consider changing your research topic.
When looking for statistics, remember that the most recent figures may not originate from the current year. Due to the expense and time required for gathering and disseminating data, the latest available statistics can be several years old. Investigate the sources. Searching for statistics can feel like detective work. Always confirm the origin of any statistic. If you find an article citing a source like the CDC or Pew Research, check it. These sources might provide additional statistics or context that the article does not include.
Evaluate the source. Like all information, assess the credibility of the statistic source. Is bias present? Is the organization or website trustworthy? Do they provide access to the raw data behind the statistics? Take time to read the figures thoroughly. Focus on how the statistic was collected and any other pertinent details. You want to avoid misrepresenting the statistic or its significance in your writing.
Schedule a research consultation or stop by the Research Help Desk if you have difficulty finding what you need.
Find open government data for the United States here. Browsable topics include agriculture, climate, consumer, ecosystems, education, energy, finance, health, local government, manufacturing, maratime, ocean, public safety, science & research.
A repository where data are published as supplemental materials for journal articles. Data in Dryad is CC0, which means you can use it however you want. Till 2022, the Dryad platform represents 50,000 data publications – the work of 200,000 researchers in connection with 70,000 international institutions and over 1,000 academic journals.
Figshare features over 3 million records, encompassing datasets, software, publications, presentations, and other research materials. It enhances integration with different research tools and platforms, streamlining research output management and sharing. Every item on Figshare is assigned a Digital Object Identifier (DOI), boosting research outputs' citability and visibility.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations makes FAOSTAT available. It provides a statistical compilation of agricultural production and trade worldwide and country by country for all crops, livestock, and agricultural commodities.
The National Center for Health Statistics' is the Nation’s principal health statistics agency; they compile statistical information to guide actions and policies to improve the health of the Nation’s people.
The Panel Study of Income Dynamics - PSID - is the longest-running longitudinal household survey in the world. Includes employment, income, wealth, expenditures, health, marriage, childbearing, child development, philanthropy, education, and numerous other topics.
SIPP collects data and measures change for many topics including: economic well-being, family dynamics, education, assets, health insurance, childcare, and food security.
Library Guides & Databases
