Library Guides: Labor Statistics & Data: US Surveys of Laborers

National Censuses

You are encouraged to use the two comprehensive library research guides seen below. Particularly if you don't have a familiarity with the scope of a national census and awareness that there are different types of censuses.

If you simply want to get started using resources click on the link Finding Census Information

Some tools for the US Census:

Census Data (was American FactFinder)
provides access to data about the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Island Areas. It contains data from a broad range of surveys and censuses from the United States.
DataFerret
Another tools developed by the Bureau of Census to explore its data.

PolicyMap This link opens in a new window
Allows users to create maps, tables and reports for a variety of indicators from data providers including demographic data from the 2000-current census data files.
PolicyMap (www.policymap.com) is an online mapping application created by The Reinvestment Fund and contains over 15,000 indicators related to housing, education, mortgage originations, jobs and more. It’s fast, efficient and captures data in visually powerful ways through custom maps, tables and reports.
SimplyAnalytics This link opens in a new window
a web-based mapping and report generation application that lets users create thematic maps and reports using census demographic, business, and marketing data.
Limited to 3 concurrent users. SimplyAnalytics enables non-technical users to quickly create professional quality thematic maps and reports using extensive demographic data (ie. census, consumer expenditure data) including estimates and projections, business data from D&B and the County Business Patterns Survey (CBP) and marketing data from EASI/MRI and Claritas PRIZM segments. SimplyAnlytics turns complex data into valuable information that is easily accessed through an innovative and user-friendly interface. Data is available at the State, Congressional District, County, City, ZIP Code, Census Tract and Block Group level in addition to custom trade area and can be exported as images, shapefiles or in tabular formats. Authorized PSU users must "Sign in as a guest" if they do not wish to register for a personal account. Personal accounts save your preferences, reports, and maps.

Current Population Survey

The Current Population Survey (CPS), sponsored jointly by the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), is the primary source of labor force statistics for the population of the United States.

Agency Publications & Landing Pages

Census Bureau: landing page for the CPS
Contains link to information and data about the CPS as well as access to publications and reports published by BLS and the Census from the Current Population Survey
Bureau of Labor Statistics: landing page for the CPS
The Current Population Survey (CPS) is a monthly survey of households conducted by the Bureau of Census for the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It provides a comprehensive body of data on the labor force, employment, unemployment, persons not in the labor force, hours of work, earnings, and other demographic and labor force characteristics.
IPUMS CPS
IPUMS-CPS is an integrated set of data spanning more than 50 years (1962-forward) of the Current Population Survey (CPS).
Current Population Survey (CPS) Data at the NBER
The NBER maintains an extensive collection of historical CPS public use tapes for its research staff. All of the data is available for download.
CPS Table Creator
The CPS Table Creator gives you the ability to create customized tables from the Current Population Survey's Annual Social and Economic Supplement.
DataFerrett
DataFerrett is a data analysis and extraction tool to customize federal, state, and local data to suit your requirements.

US National Surveys

American Community Survey (ACS)
The American Community Survey is the premier source for information about America's changing population, housing and workforce.
American Time Use Survey (ATUS)
The ATUS measures the amount of time people spend doing various activities, such as paid work, childcare, volunteering, and socializing.
Decennial Census of Population and Housing
The U.S. census counts every resident in the United States. It is mandated by Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution and takes place every 10 years.
National Health Interview Survey (NHIS)
Principal source of information on the health of the civilian noninstitutionalized population of the United States.
National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS)
Collect data on the utilization and provision of ambulatory care services in hospital emergency and outpatient departments.
National Survey of College Graduates (NSCG)
Provides data on the nation’s college graduates, with particular focus on those in the science and engineering workforce.
Survey of Income and Program Participation
Collects data and measures change for many topics including: economic well-being, family dynamics, education, assets, health insurance, and childcare.
Survey of Program Dynamics (SPD)
Collects data on employment, income, program participation, health insurance and utilization, child well-being, marital relationships, and parents' depression.
Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI)
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) produces comprehensive, accurate, and timely counts of fatal work injuries.
Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses
annual information on the rate and number of work-related injuries, illnesses, and fatal injuries, and how these statistics vary by incident, industry, geography, occupation, and other characteristics.

Penn State University Libraries

Labor Statistics & Data

Other related guides

National Censuses

Current Population Survey

US National Surveys