InfoGuides: Finding Statistics: General

Library Databases

You could try to search any of the library databases for statistical information. If you are looking for data about a controversial topic, you might want to start with these databases. Simply search for your topic. No need to include "statistics" or "data" in your search statement.

CQ Researcher
CQ Researcher contains reports for controversial topics. You will find data and statistics within the body of reports. Many reports will also include charts or graphs.
Opposing Viewpoints in Context
Provides balanced coverage, pro/con articles, and different viewpoints of controversial issues.

General Statistics

The following sites contain data and statistics for many different topics.

Census Data
Using Census data, the American FactFinder provides an authoritative and comprehensive summary of statistics on the social, political, and economic organization of the United States.

Virginia Open Data Portal
Consolidated group of 14,000 federal, state, and local datasets for Virginia.
U.S. Data & Statistics
The landing page for all federal statistical information, including from agencies and the Census.
Gapminder
Gapminder is a non-profit venture – a modern “museum” on the Internet – promoting sustainable global development and achievement of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.
Pew Research Center
Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts.
Statistical Abstract of the United States 1990s-2012
The Statistical Abstract of the United States, published since 1878, is the authoritative and comprehensive summary of statistics on the social, political, and economic organization of the United States.
Wolfram Alpha
Wolfram Alpha is a unique search engine that dynamically converts searches into graphical and tabular data.

Caution!

If you find data or statistics that you would like to use, be sure to check the source! Ask yourself:

Where did the information come from?
Is the source current? Reliable? Reputable?

If you cannot identify the source or you answered "no" above, keep looking for a more trustworthy source containing the same or similar information.