Data Sources
Files for FTP
- ICPSR
ICPSR has the best collection of machine readable files for early census years. It includes Elizabeth Bogue tract data files for 1940, 50, and 60 for selected metropolitan areas (NYC available only for 1940) and states. The Bogue files are not microdata but summary data compiled from the print Census Tract reports
- DataGate
Two of the ICPSR studies are stored in DataGate with study number 1960, one is the public use microdata and one is tract level data that reports only on selected characteristics of a subset of the population.
Online Extraction Data
- National Historical Geographic Information System (NHGIS)
Provides an online extraction tool for selected summary file variables at the national, state, and county levels for years back to 1790 and at sub-county levels (usually tracts) for years back to 1910.
- Integrated Public Use Microdata Series (IPUMS)
At this site custom extractions of public use microdata can be done. Coverage is for all census years since 1850 except 1930.
- Historical Census Browser
This site provides a web-based interface to state and county data for census years 1790 through 1960. Users who wish to work with the data directly should use ICPSR Study, Historical, Demographic, Economic, and Social Data: The United States, 1790-1970. This study can be downloaded from the, ICPSR web site, study .
Other Online Resources
Spatial Data
General Information
Because of the limited amount of data that is available electronically it is important to be aware of what is in print.
Library's Decennial Census Collection
This is a detailed list of Columbia's print and CD-ROM holdings plus links to useful Web sites and reference sources.
Note: Selected New York City tract volumes are available in EDS. These include 1990, 80, 70, and 60. There is only one copy of for 1950 and it is located with Lehman's collection of census volumes in that stacks at HA 201 C3.223:950.
Publications Specific to New York City
- Census Tract Data on Population and Housing in New York City 1940
HA 730 .N5 W3 - Lehman Reference
- Census Data With Maps for Small Areas of New York City, 1910-1960.
HA 730 .N5 B68 1981 - Lehman Reference
Includes not only the published census data for NYC, but also unpublished census data and special tabulation performed by the NYC Planning Dept. Levels include block, tract, and health area for 1910-1960, as well as assembly district, statistical area, and sanitation district for some earlier censuses. All data, including maps, is on microfilm (F d901) located in Lehman Library.
- Population of the City of New York, 1890-1930.
HA 730 .N5 C5 1930 - Lehman Reference
317.8 N484 - Business
AA9127 N4 C49 - Avery
Tabular presentation of data from several censuses, both Federal and New York State, with some data actually going back to 1790.
- New York City Statistics
This is list of print and online publications that report statistical information about New York City.
New York State Census
New York State conducted its own census in 1808, 1814 and 1822, though not in all counties. This link is to a CU Library Guide that describes what is available.
Related Reference Material
- Geographic Areas Reference Manual
Although focused on the 1990 Census this book provides a history of census geography and including information about areas like, MCDs, CCDs, outlying areas, Indian lands, and blocks. This book is also available in print in EDS and in CLIO.
- Measuring America: The Decennial Censuses From 1790 to 2000
Contains questionnaires and instructions, plus individual histories of each census as well as a chart listing topics covered in each census year. This book is also available in print in EDS and in CLIO.
- Background Information About Census
This site is part of the Historical Census Browser site and it provides a useful synopsis of the information found in the publication, 200 Years of Census Taking: Population and Housing Questions, 1790-1990. Washington, DC: Bureau of the Census, 1989 which is available in Lehman's U.S. government documents collection, call number, C 3.2:T 93.
- Decennial Census Information General Census Monographs
This is a list of other publication on the subject of the Decennial Census.
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