Research Guides: Journalism: Statistics

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A few things to consider when looking for statistics

Who cares about this information?
Statistics cost a lot of money to collect and analyze. Who cares enough about the information to collect it? Some of the most likely stats collectors include governments, marketers, trade groups, and advocacy associations.

Depending on your subject area, finding useful statistics can be very challenging. Here are a few things to think about when trying to find a statistic:

The most recent statistic may not be from this year.
Because statistics take time and money to collect and disseminate, the most recent ones may sometimes be a few years old.
Follow the trail.
Finding statistics can sometimes be an exercise in detective work. Always look at the source of the statistic. If you read an article and it cites a source, e.g., the CDC or Pew Research, consult that source. It may provide additional statistics or context that wasn't referenced in the article.
Evaluate the source.
As with all information, you should evaluate the source providing the statistic. Are they biased? Is the group or website reliable? Do they provide access to data that the statistic came from?
Read the statistic carefully.
Be sure to pay close attention to any information provided about how the statistic was collected, etc. You don't want to misrepresent the statistic or its significance in your own writing.

Demographic and Lifestyle Statistics

Data.Census.Gov This link opens in a new window
Data.Census.Gov is the main source for modern population, housing, economic and geographic data from the US Census surveys. The earliest data included are from the 2000 Census. Users can generate simple visualizations, extract reports, and explore census data by theme or topic.

MarketResearch
Includes industry and marketing reports.
NYU Business Library-Marketing
NYU subscription resources that contain statistics related to marketing--demographics, lifestyle, etc.

Opinion Polls

Use the following sources to measure the public's pulse.

General Statistical Databases

Data.Census.Gov This link opens in a new window
Data.Census.Gov is the main source for modern population, housing, economic and geographic data from the US Census surveys. The earliest data included are from the 2000 Census. Users can generate simple visualizations, extract reports, and explore census data by theme or topic.
Social Explorer This link opens in a new window
Social Explorer contains access to U.S. Census data dating back to 1790. Users can create maps and embed them as objects or download static images.
To access Social Explorer, create a user account after signing in to NYU's SSO. If you have questions about authenticating your NYU Social Explorer account from off-campus, please contact Data Services.

Statista
Statista aggregates data on markets, industry, politics, economics, and population. Users can export data sets in a variety of formats. Sources include trade publications, market and opinion research institutions, government sources, business and economic databases, reference publications, media sources, and scholarly articles.
Data-Planet
Sage Stats (now within Data-Planet) contains data and statistics from more than 100 different government and non-government sources, on topics such as the environment, education, criminal justice, healthcare, and more. Users can create and compare charts and data visualizations, and export them as static images or interactive links.
Statistical Abstract of United States
Published yearly, it provides statistics from government agencies and associations. A great starting place for any statistic.
Statistical Insight
Search for published statistics within government and association publications.
NYU Database of Data Sources
This NYU Libraries database allows you to search for data and statistical sources by subject area.

CQ Researcher Plus Archive This link opens in a new window
The reports that comprise this database include a lot of well-sourced charts and graphs. These can help you find leading sources of statistics for particular areas of research.

US Government Statistics

Data.Census.Gov This link opens in a new window
Data.Census.Gov is the main source for modern population, housing, economic and geographic data from the US Census surveys. The earliest data included are from the 2000 Census. Users can generate simple visualizations, extract reports, and explore census data by theme or topic.

US Government Statistics by Agency/Topic
Links to government statistics from business, economic, military, justice, health and environmental agencies, among others.

Social Explorer This link opens in a new window
Social Explorer contains access to U.S. Census data dating back to 1790. Users can create maps and embed them as objects or download static images.
To access Social Explorer, create a user account after signing in to NYU's SSO. If you have questions about authenticating your NYU Social Explorer account from off-campus, please contact Data Services.

Statistics, Data, and Public Records for NYC

Visualizing NYC Statistics via the NYC City Map
Excellent tool for quickly mapping any address, census tract, zip code, etc. Link into building and property databases or locate public resources including green markets, parks, and bike lanes.
NYC Population (Census) Fact Finder
Population FactFinder allows you to easily define study areas within New York City and examine detailed population profiles showing critical demographic, social, economic, and housing statistics, and how these statistics have changed over time. All information is taken from the US Census surveys, at www.census.gov
Department of City Planning
The Dept. of City Planning is the primary source for statistics and demographic profiles of NYC neighborhoods. Find Census data here, specially packaged for the city's unique geographical units.
Department of Health & Mental Hygiene
The city's health department produces a plethora of reports and statistics throughout the year, tracking on all aspects of general health and wellness.
NYC Open Data
Open Data is free public data published by New York City agencies and other partners.
NYC Restaurant Inspections and Ratings
Gives information about restaurant inspections, grades, and violations. Enables you to search by neighborhood, zip code, cuisine, etc.

The Health Department conducts unannounced inspections of restaurants at least once a year. Inspectors check for compliance in food handling, food temperature, personal hygiene and vermin control. Each violation of a regulation gets a certain number of points. At the end of the inspection, the inspector totals the points and this number is the restaurant's inspection score — the lower the score, the better the grade.
nyc.gov
Main portal to all city agencies, press releases from the mayor's office and city council, municipal budgets, statistics, and more.
Gotham Gazette
Published by the Citizens Union Foundation, Gotham Gazette provides background research and insight into all aspects of city and state politics and policy. Especially useful features include Councilpedia and the City Laws database.