New York City Data and Statistics

What is the difference between Data and Statistics?

Data is the raw information from which statistics are created. Statistics provide an interpretation and summary of data. Statistics are the results of data analysis.

Statistics

• Statistical tables, charts, and graphs
• Reported numbers and percentages in an article

Data

• Datasets
• Machine-readable data files, data files for statistical software programs

Data can be interpreted using statistical procedures to answer “why” or “how.” Data is used to create new information and knowledge.

Adapted from http://libguides.lib.msu.edu/datastats

What data is included in www.census.gov?

• Population & Housing Census - every 10 years
• Economic Census - every 5 years
• Census of Governments - every 5 years
• American Community Survey - annually
• Our many surveys -- both Demographic & Economic
• Economic Indicators - each indicator is released on a specific schedule, see the Economic Indicator Calendar

Source: information taken from www.census.gov

Surveys

A survey is a method of collecting and analyzing social, economic, and geographic data. It provides information about the conditions of the United States, states, and counties.

Demographic Surveys

Economic Surveys

Other Surveys. The Census Bureau collects information in many other surveys and provides the data to the survey sponsor for release. These sponsors include:

• Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS)
• Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
• Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS)
• Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
• National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS)
• The National Science Foundation (NSF)
• The Social Security Administration (SSA)

Source: information taken from www.census.gov