Demographic information can help your nonprofit to better identify your community's needs and to find gaps in its services. Using this data in a grant proposal can help make a case for the urgency of the community need that your nonprofit's mission addresses.
Some resources we recommend:
- The U.S. Census Bureau allows you to search by ZIP code, city, county, and/or state to find a specific area's income levels, ethnicities, ages, and other social characteristics.
- For regionally collected indicators or statistics, also check your local, county, and state government web sites, as well as your local public or academic libraries.
- Put what's happening in your community in a larger context at Issue Lab, a service of Candid that lets you search thousands of social sector reports by subject. Many reports have helpful statistics such as demographic information.
- The Urban Institute also has interactive maps on a variety of subjects such as schools, housing and education.
You can find many more resources in the curated selection of websites below.
Data Access Tools from the Census Bureau
Provides links to all U.S. Census Bureau data tools available.
Databases, Tables & Calculators by Subject
Bureau of Labor Statistics
The Bureau of Labor Statistics is the principal fact-finding agency for the Federal Government in the broad field of labor economics and statistics.
National Center for Education Statistics
State/District Profiles
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) (see Organizational Chart) is the primary federal entity for collecting and analyzing data related to education in the U.S. and other nations. NCES is located within the U.S. Department of Education and
NACo County Explorer
National Association of Counties
Interactive county data makes it possible to explore and compare counties by various a wide variety of demographic, economic and governmental statistics.
According to the group: "SWB provides pro bono statistical and data science services. We work to improve human welfare by providing empirical knowledge using proper applications of statistical principles and best practices so that our clients can make more informed decisions. We focus on areas where access to such resources is limited."
QuickFacts from the US Census Bureau
The U.S. Census Bureau's Quick Facts provides statistical data for all states and counties, as well as cities and towns with populations of 5,000 or more.
Download Datasets
Pew Research Center
Find the center's datasets by research area and information about how to use them. The center also publishes wide-ranging analyses. Click on the tabs at the top of the page to find the research that fits your needs.
Data Hub
Migration Policy Institute
Hover over "Research & Initiatives" in the navigation menu to find the "Data" section with U.S. and international information. It also provides two interactive maps, one on international migration and one on immigrant populations in the U.S.
The World Factbook provides information on the history, people, government, economy, geography, communications, transportation, military, and transnational issues for 266 world entities.
Administration on Aging
Data Resources
The AGing Integrated Database (AGID) provides data and surveys on aging, including Census data and information by state on care and support services for older people and the people who care for them.