Library Guides: POL 207: Data Sources

Public Opinion

SEARCH HINT: Type in "your topic AND (poll or survey)" to generate newspaper reports on the outcomes of various polls.

Example: economy AND (poll OR survey)

Statista This link opens in a new window
Providing statistical data for over 170 industries in 50 countries.

Data Sources

SageData This link opens in a new window
Note: access is available for content that predates 12/31/21; any content from 01/01/2022 - present is unavailable. A dynamic tool to scan and search the contents of billions of datasets from the United States. Compare and contrast variables of interest and create customized views in tables, maps, rankings, and charts. Views also include descriptive summaries of the datasets and data sources. Datasets cover a wide range of subjects – including business, finance, banking, economics, sociology, political science, demography, agriculture, education, international studies, criminal justice, housing and construction, labor and employment, energy resources and industries, and more.
Previously Sage Stats.
Social Explorer This link opens in a new window
Generates maps, data visuallizations, and spreadsheets of Census data from 1790-2010. Additional data available up to the 2020 census.
Updated regularly. Provides easy access to historical census data for the United States. Allows users to visually analyze and understand the demography of any part of the United States with access to the following:

* Interactive thematic maps of historical census data
* Customized reports for any chosen area or areas (including aggregates)
* Complete coverage of the United States, down to neighborhoods and streets
* Simple navigation buttons and a find tool make it easy and efficient to study neighborhoods

Users can examine geographic areas while selecting the type of data to be shown, such as population density or income level. The corresponding data tables are also available.

U.S. Census - Education Data
U.S. Census collects information on school enrollment, educational attainment, and school finances.

ICPSR This link opens in a new window
ICPSR maintains a data archive of more than 250,000 files of research in the social and behavioral sciences. It hosts 21 specialized collections of data in education, aging, criminal justice, substance abuse, terrorism, and other fields.
Historical Statistics of the United States This link opens in a new window
Data on the United States, including demographics, economics, government, & finance from 1790-2000.

Pew News Habits and Media
Includes information on politics & media, trust in media, news platforms & sources, and more.

Voting Data

Local / County: For local or county election results, it is best to check with the area's county board of elections.

State: Check with your state's secretary of state website. Often time they will have state election data in addition to directories to local board of elections.

Federal: For federal elections, you can visit the Federal Election Commission