Research Guides: Search for Statistical Sources: United States

Attitudes and Opinions

Gallup Poll
National and international surveys on attitudes towards economy, health, business, and politics.
General Social Survey
Since 1972, the GSS has provided clear and unbiased perspective on what Americans think and feel about such issues as national spending priorities, crime and punishment, intergroup relations, and confidence in institutions.
Pew Research Center
Public opinion polling, demographic research, content analysis and other data-driven social science research on the topics of politics, media, technology, social trends, science, and religion.

The Census office provides detailed data on the U.S. population and economy.

Census Bureau Data
Access data and digital content, including facts and information about your community, your economy, and your society, from the U.S. Census Bureau from 2000 and later
Census Reporter
Use this for easy access to the most recent data from the Census on people and populations.

Statistical Abstract of the United States This link opens in a new window
Comprehensive summary of statistics on the social, political, and economic conditions of the United States from 1885 - present. Use this for historical statistics. Do not use when you need specific regions.

STATS America
This is a set of tools and reports that support using government data to understand economic development of local areas within the United States.
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Find statistics about employment, productivity, wages by area and industry, prices, and consumer spending.
Bureau of Economic Analysis
BEA provides interactive data and economic news at the national, international, regional, and industry levels.
Economic Indicators
Various reports on indicators of the health of the economy, including manufacturing reports, home sales, construction, and more.
Industry Statistics Portal
Search by industry code (NAICS) or keyword to find specific data for your industry guide to federal government data sources. Government reports may include monthly, quarterly, and annual measures of industrial activity in downloadable spreadsheet or PDF files.

Data USA
A comprehensive website and visualization engine of public US Government data

Historical Statistics of the United States, Millennial Edition Online This link opens in a new window
U.S. historical statistics on a variety of topics

U.S. Government Data and Statistics Portal
A portal to data covering these topics: General Government, Business and Economics, Defense and International Relations, Environment, Energy, and Agriculture, Family, Home, and Community, Geospatial Data, Health and Nutrition, Jobs and Education, Public Safety and Law, Science and Technology, Travel, Transportation, and Recreation

Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC)
The purpose of TRAC is to provide comprehensive information about staffing, spending, and enforcement activities of the federal government. Includes stats from IRS, FBI, DEA, ATF, and immigration.
Vital Statistics on American Politics
Statistical information on American government & politics

Consider what government agency might collect statistics on your topic.
Perform an internet search of your general topic and "statistics" and/or "government."