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University Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Use the strategies and sources in the infographic below to get started finding statistics.
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Strategies for Finding Statistics (Accessible View)
Before beginning a search, identify:
Timeline and Location
What time period are you interested in?
What geographic location are you interested in?
Statistics take time to collect and compile, so the most recently available data for a given topic may be older than you wish.
For example, the most recent U.S. Census data is from 2010.
Publishers and Producers
Who would have an interest in collecting this information?
Publishers of statistics include government agencies, private corporations, industries, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations.
If you can't identify a potential publisher of information, statistics on your topic may be difficult to find.
Places to Find Statistics:
Government Agencies
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has compiled a list of agencies that produce statistics both in the United States and internationally.
The United States Census Bureau has the most recent information from the U.S. Census with lots of demographic information included.
Search and explore Census Data from the Census Bureau.
Library Databases
ProQuest Statistical Insight is a general statistical database that allows users to search for national and international statistics directly without having to wade through text documents.
Statista provides access to statistics and studies gathered by market researchers, trade organizations, scientific publications, and government sources on over 600 industries.
Select a relevant subject database from our Find Articles Guide, and search for your topic with the word "statistics".
Web Sources
Pew Research Center conducts nonpartisan public opinion polling on current issues. Use Pew to find statistical information on how the public feels about a given topic.
The UGL's Statistics Guide provides links and information to find statistics on specific topics.