This document provides an overview and instructions for using American FactFinder to access U.S. Census Bureau data. It discusses upcoming data releases, available census data tools, how to conduct searches on American FactFinder, download and cite data tables and maps, and create thematic maps. Step-by-step exercises demonstrate how to select geographies on a reference map, search for a specific ZIP code, and create a thematic map by first selecting geographies and then accessing a data table.

1. ““Census Data Tools andCensus Data Tools and
Using American FactFinder ForUsing American FactFinder For
Community Profiles and Mapping”Community Profiles and Mapping”
National Association of DevelopmentNational Association of Development
OrganizationsOrganizations
August 24, 2013August 24, 2013
Lia Bolden
Data Dissemination Specialist
Los Angeles Regional Office
U.S. Census Bureau

2. AgendaAgenda
• Upcoming Data Releases & Updates
• Census Data Tools: Quick Facts and Easy Stats
• Using American FactFinder --Guided and
Advanced Searches
• Mapping Tools on American FactFinder
• How to Cite Tables and Maps in American
FactFinder
• Questions
2

3. Census Data a Reliable Source
• Population, Income, Education and Labor
force statistics
• Data for small areas help to identify pockets
of need in communities
• Data describes target population and
communities
• Helps identify problem and need for project
• Easy to compare to other areas, geographies
• Can tract population changes over time

4. 1. Know your geography.
2. Know the data item(s) you want.
3. What story are your validating?
Data Access 101Data Access 101

5. 10 Questions
2010 Census Bilingual Form
Name
Gender
Age
Relationship
Hispanic Origin
Race
Other residence
Own/Rent (Tenure)
Number Living in Housing Unit
Phone Number
5

6. ACS Data
• Demographic Characteristics
• Housing Characteristics
• Social Characteristics
• Economic Characteristics

7. Demographic Housing
• Age
• Sex
• Race
• Hispanic
Origin
• Tenure
(Rent/Own)
• Occupancy
• Structure
• Housing Value
• Taxes &
Insurance
• Utilities
• Mortgage/
Monthly Rent
• Income
• Benefits
• Employment
Status
• Occupation
• Industry
• Commuting to
Work
EconomicSocial
• Education
• Marital Status
• Fertility
• Grandparent
Caregivers
• Veterans
• Disability Status
• Place of Birth
• Citizenship
• Year of Entry
• Language
Spoken at
Home
• Ancestry/
Tribal Affiliation

8. Upcoming Data ReleasesUpcoming Data Releases

9. Upcoming Data ReleasesUpcoming Data Releases
American Community SurveyAmerican Community Survey
Data Product Planed Release Date Population Size of Area
2012 ACS 1-Year Estimates September 19, 2013 65,000 +
2010-2012 ACS 3-Year Estimates October 24, 2013 20,000 +
2008-2012 ACS 5-Year Estimates December 5, 2013 All Geographies
The American Community Survey is the only source of local statistics for most of the 40
topics it covers — such as education, occupation, language, ancestry and housing costs — for
even the smallest communities.

10. 10
Available December 5, 2013Available December 5, 2013
2008-2012 ACS 5-Year Estimates2008-2012 ACS 5-Year Estimates
 New Content as of 2008
1. Health Insurance Coverage
2. Veteran’s Service-Connected Disability &
Rating
3. Marital History

11. Health Insurance
• Health insurance coverage includes plans
and programs that provide comprehensive
health coverage
• Other types of insurance like dental, vision,
life, and disability insurance are not included.
• Private health insurance is a plan provided
through an employer or union, a plan
purchased by an individual from a private
company, or TRICARE or other military
health care. All others are public coverage
• The types of health insurance are not
mutually exclusive; people may be covered
by more than one at the same time
• This was added to the ACS in 2008
11

12. ACS Data ProductsACS Data Products
Data Product Description
Data Profiles Provide broad social, economic, housing, and demographic profiles.
Narrative profiles
Summarize the information in the data profiles using concise,
nontechnical text.
Comparison profile Compares over 5-year period selected enhancements.
Selected population profiles
Provide broad social, economic, and housing profiles for a large
number of race, ethnic, ancestry, and country/region of birth groups.
Detailed tables
Provide access to the most detailed ACS data and cross tabulations of
ACS variables.
Subject tables
Similar to data profiles but include more detailed ACS data, classified
by subject.
Ranking tables Provide state rankings of estimates across 86 key variables.
Geographic comparison tables
Compare geographic areas other than states (e.g., counties or
congressional districts) for key variables.
Quick table
Predefined table with frequently requested information for a single
geographic area.

13. Upcoming Data ReleasesUpcoming Data Releases
Population EstimatesPopulation Estimates
2012 Population Estimates
Geographies: National, State and County Population
Estimates cross tabulated by Age, Sex, Race and
Hispanic Origin
2012 estimates are compared with those from one year
earlier and to 2010 Census counts.
Release Date: July 1, 2012 .

14. Population Estimates ProgramPopulation Estimates Program
. • These estimates are used in federal funding
allocations, as survey controls, as denominators
for vital rates and per capita time series, and as
indicators of recent demographic changes
• Examples
– Used as Denominators to calculate State and County
Poverty Rates
– Used to control the American Community Survey
population estimates at the State and County levels

15. Census Data Tools!Census Data Tools!
Quick FactsQuick Facts
Easy StatsEasy Stats
American Community SurveyAmerican Community Survey
Local Employment DynamicsLocal Employment Dynamics

16. www.census.gov

17. Choose a State, County and Place

18. QuickFactsQuickFacts
Step 1: Select California to view QuickFacts for California and the USAStep 1: Select California to view QuickFacts for California and the USA
Step 2: Select a County or City and Click GO to view People QuickFacts and Business QuickFactsStep 2: Select a County or City and Click GO to view People QuickFacts and Business QuickFacts
Step 3: Click Browse data sets for California to obtain more dataStep 3: Click Browse data sets for California to obtain more data

19. Quick FactsQuick Facts
Business QuickFactsBusiness QuickFacts

20. Step 3: Click Browse data sets for California to obtain more dataStep 3: Click Browse data sets for California to obtain more data

22. Easy Stats
Choose County, Place or Congressional District

27. Finding Census Tracts

28. Census Geography Hierarchy
(with 2010 Statistical Area Criteria)
Revised 05-13-12
• 1,200 to 8,000 population (optimum 4,000)
• 480 to 3,200 housing units
• 600 to 3,000 population
• 240 to 1,200 housing units
Central axis describes
a nesting relationship
• Cities and towns -- incorporated
• Census Designated Places (CDPs):
- - Unincorporated; no size threshold
- - Separate and distinct from city/town
- - Redefined each census
Blocks are not defined by population
and are the smallest geographic level
at which data are ever released
(Decennial Census, not the ACS) 28

29. www.census.gov
American FactFinder is
the entry point for Census
Bureau
demographic and
economic data
American FactFinder is
the entry point for Census
Bureau
demographic and
economic data

30. Tools and Resources

31. www. Factfinder2.gov

32. Guided Search– Choose Data
Variable

33. Select Topic

34. Select Geography

35. Select Race/Ethnic Group or
Skip this Step

36. Select a Table from Search Results or go to
Advanced Search for more options

37. Going into Advanced Search

38. Downloading Data from AmericanDownloading Data from American
FactFinderFactFinder

39. Multiple Ways to Download DataMultiple Ways to Download Data
from American FactFinderfrom American FactFinder
• Download from the search results page
Download up to 10 tables from the search results page in a comma-
delimited format (.csv). This format can be imported into Microsoft Excel, as
well as other spreadsheet and database programs
.
• Download when viewing a table
Download a single table from the table view in comma-delimited (.csv), PDF,
Microsoft Excel (.xls), or Rich Text Format (.rtf) formats.
• Download spatial data from reference maps and
thematic maps
Download shapefiles that can be imported into various geographic
information systems (GIS) software packages.

40. Download from Search Results PageDownload from Search Results Page
(without viewing table):(without viewing table):

41. Download from Search Results PageDownload from Search Results Page
(without viewing table):(without viewing table):
Limits for Downloading Tables
• Up to 10 tables at one time
• Up to 50,000 geographies for a table
• Up to 500,000 rows of data
Note:
• The sum of all cities or towns in the USA is less than 50,000 geographies.
• For downloads larger than 50,000 geographies or 500,000 rows, please use the ftp site.
• To download a table for only one geography or population group at a time, such as the Data
Profiles, you can calculate the total number of rows in that table by multiplying the number of
geographies or population groups by the number of rows in the table. For example, a table
that has ten rows and ten geographies is equivalent to 100 total rows.

42. Note: ‘All Census Tracts within LA County’ has been added to ‘Your Selections’Note: ‘All Census Tracts within LA County’ has been added to ‘Your Selections’
Check the Box next to a table/s and Click ‘Download’Check the Box next to a table/s and Click ‘Download’

44. Download When Viewing a TableDownload When Viewing a Table

45. Download When Viewing a TableDownload When Viewing a Table
Limits for Presentation Ready FormatsLimits for Presentation Ready Formats
• Limits for .pdf & .rtf formats are:
– 5,000 columns and
– 5,000 data rows.
• Limits for .xls are:
– 230 columns and 5,000 rows.
– If the table has more than 230 columns, and fewer
rows, select Modify Table to transpose rows and
columns to conform to the .xls requirements.

46. Note: There are 1,012 Columns, the limit is 230 columns for Excel
Click ‘Modify Table’Click ‘Modify Table’

47. Click ‘Transpose Rows/Columns’Click ‘Transpose Rows/Columns’

48. Note: There are 1,012 Rows and the limit is 5,000 rows for Excel
Click ‘Download’Click ‘Download’

49. Click ‘Microsoft Excel’Click ‘Microsoft Excel’

50. Click ‘Transpose Rows/Columns’Click ‘Transpose Rows/Columns’

51. Download spatial data from referenceDownload spatial data from reference
maps and thematic mapsmaps and thematic maps

52. Click the Download IconClick the Download Icon

53. Select ‘Shapefiles’ and Click ‘OK’Select ‘Shapefiles’ and Click ‘OK’

54. Mapping Tools on American FactFinderMapping Tools on American FactFinder

55. Maps OverviewMaps Overview
• American FactFinder has two types of maps:
– Reference Maps - Used to select geographies to add
to your selections.
– Thematic Maps - Once you have found data, you can
view your data on a thematic map to compare results
geographically.
• Both maps share zooming, panning, scaling and
print functions

56. Maps OverviewMaps Overview
• Reference Map • Thematic Map

57. Mapping Tools: Exercise 1Mapping Tools: Exercise 1
Viewing a reference map of Census tracts
in East Los Angeles

58. Accessing Reference MapsAccessing Reference Maps
Go toGo to www.census.govwww.census.gov, Put cursor on ‘Data’ and Click, Put cursor on ‘Data’ and Click
on ‘American FactFinder’on ‘American FactFinder’

59. Select United States or a State from the drop-down menu andSelect United States or a State from the drop-down menu and
Click ‘GO’Click ‘GO’

60. Map ToolsMap Tools

61. Click ‘Find a Location’ to zoom into a geographic area.Click ‘Find a Location’ to zoom into a geographic area.
Enter an Address (Zip Code Optional), Click ‘GO’Enter an Address (Zip Code Optional), Click ‘GO’

62. Click ‘Boundaries and Features’ to selectClick ‘Boundaries and Features’ to select
boundaries and features to display on the map.boundaries and features to display on the map.

63. Check theCheck the
Boundary andBoundary and
Label BoxesLabel Boxes
next to ‘2012next to ‘2012
Census Tract’Census Tract’
and Clickand Click
‘UPDATE’‘UPDATE’

64. To select Census Tracts from the map, use the drop downTo select Census Tracts from the map, use the drop down
arrow to open the menu and select ‘Census Tract’arrow to open the menu and select ‘Census Tract’

65. Click on a Selection Tool and Click on the Census Tracts youClick on a Selection Tool and Click on the Census Tracts you
would like to select. Then Click ‘Add to Your Selections’would like to select. Then Click ‘Add to Your Selections’

66. Note: The Census Tracts have been added to ‘Your Selections’Note: The Census Tracts have been added to ‘Your Selections’
Click ‘Close X’Click ‘Close X’

68. Mapping Tools: Exercise 2Mapping Tools: Exercise 2
View a map for one specific geography
Example: Zip Code 90063

69. Click ‘Advanced Search’Click ‘Advanced Search’

70. Type ‘90063’ on the text box for ‘State, County or Place’ andType ‘90063’ on the text box for ‘State, County or Place’ and
Click ‘GO’Click ‘GO’

71. Note: ‘ZCTA5 90063’ has been added to ‘Your Selections’Note: ‘ZCTA5 90063’ has been added to ‘Your Selections’
Click ‘Geographies’ and Click the ‘Map’ TabClick ‘Geographies’ and Click the ‘Map’ Tab

72. Click theClick the
‘Boundaries and‘Boundaries and
Features’ BoxFeatures’ Box
Check theCheck the
Boundary andBoundary and
Label BoxesLabel Boxes
next to ‘2012 5-next to ‘2012 5-
Digit Zip CodeDigit Zip Code
Tabulation Area’Tabulation Area’
Click ‘UPDATE’Click ‘UPDATE’

73. You can Zoom In and Out depending on the level of detail youYou can Zoom In and Out depending on the level of detail you
would like to see on the mapwould like to see on the map

74. Mapping Tools: Exercise 3Mapping Tools: Exercise 3
Use a reference map to select your geographies, Access a
Table and then, create a thematic map
• Conduct an Address Search
• Select the Census Tract from the Address Search and
Surrounding Census Tracts using a reference map
• Select a table and create a thematic map

75. Go to ‘Address Search’ and click ‘Street Address’Go to ‘Address Search’ and click ‘Street Address’

76. Type a street address (zip code optional) and click ‘GO’Type a street address (zip code optional) and click ‘GO’

77. Under Geography Results, Click on Census Tract 5312.01,Under Geography Results, Click on Census Tract 5312.01,
Los Angeles County, CaliforniaLos Angeles County, California
Note: When you Click on the Census Tract, it will be added to ‘Your Selections’ BoxNote: When you Click on the Census Tract, it will be added to ‘Your Selections’ Box

78. Click the ‘Map’ Tab to view a map of Census Tract 5312.01.Click the ‘Map’ Tab to view a map of Census Tract 5312.01.
Click ‘Boundaries and Features’Click ‘Boundaries and Features’

79. Check theCheck the
Boundary andBoundary and
Label BoxesLabel Boxes
next to ‘2012next to ‘2012
Census Tract’Census Tract’
Click ‘UPDATE’Click ‘UPDATE’

80. Click the drop-down arrow under ‘Select Geographies’ andClick the drop-down arrow under ‘Select Geographies’ and
select ‘Census Tract’select ‘Census Tract’

81. Click on a Selection Tool and Click on the Census TractsClick on a Selection Tool and Click on the Census Tracts
surrounding Census Tract 5312.01surrounding Census Tract 5312.01

82. After making all of the Census Tract selections, Click ‘Add toAfter making all of the Census Tract selections, Click ‘Add to
Your Selection’Your Selection’

83. Note: The Census Tracts have been added to ‘Your Selections’Note: The Census Tracts have been added to ‘Your Selections’
After adding all desired Geographies to ‘Your Selections’After adding all desired Geographies to ‘Your Selections’
Click ‘CLOSE X’Click ‘CLOSE X’

84. Note: The American Community Survey Profiles (DP02, DP03, DP04 and DP05) are at the TopNote: The American Community Survey Profiles (DP02, DP03, DP04 and DP05) are at the Top
of the Search Resultsof the Search Results
Click on ‘Topics’ to further refine your searchClick on ‘Topics’ to further refine your search

85. Click on the ‘Topics’ Tab, Click on ‘People’, Click ‘Poverty’Click on the ‘Topics’ Tab, Click on ‘People’, Click ‘Poverty’
and Click ‘Poverty’ (In Blue Fonts)and Click ‘Poverty’ (In Blue Fonts)

86. Note: ‘Poverty’ has been added to ‘Your Selections’Note: ‘Poverty’ has been added to ‘Your Selections’
Close ‘Select Topics’ box by Clicking ‘CLOSE X’Close ‘Select Topics’ box by Clicking ‘CLOSE X’

87. Open Table ‘S1702 Poverty Status in the Past 12 Months ofOpen Table ‘S1702 Poverty Status in the Past 12 Months of
Families’ by Clicking on the table nameFamilies’ by Clicking on the table name

89. Mapping Data – Thematic MapsMapping Data – Thematic Maps
To create a thematic map, you must have
a table containing at least two or more
“like” geographies, ie..two cities, two
counties, two states.

92. Click Create a MapClick Create a Map

93. Scroll Cursor Over the Row You Would Like to Map andScroll Cursor Over the Row You Would Like to Map and
Double Click on any of the Data Cells (in Blue Fonts)Double Click on any of the Data Cells (in Blue Fonts)

94. Double Click on ‘Show Map’Double Click on ‘Show Map’

96. To change colors Click on the Drop Down Arrow, Select Color & Click OK.To change colors Click on the Drop Down Arrow, Select Color & Click OK.
Then click GOThen click GO

97. To Change Classes, Select User Defined, Enter Values Range & Click GOTo Change Classes, Select User Defined, Enter Values Range & Click GO

99. ClickClick
‘Boundaries and‘Boundaries and
Features’ BoxFeatures’ Box
Check theCheck the
Boundary andBoundary and
Label boxes nextLabel boxes next
to ‘2011 Censusto ‘2011 Census
Tract’ and ClickTract’ and Click
‘UPDATE’‘UPDATE’

101. LOCAL EMPLOYMENTLOCAL EMPLOYMENT
DYNAMICSDYNAMICS
Jerry Wong
Information Services Specialist
Los Angeles Regional Office
U.S. Census Bureau
Industry FocusIndustry Focus

102. www.census.govwww.census.gov
ALL ABOUT JOBS, JOBS, AND MORE JO

104. Industry FocusIndustry Focus

105. 105
Key Features of Industry FocusKey Features of Industry Focus
Ranking and multiple
indicator selection
State, county,
Workforce Investment
Area (WIA), metro areas
Age Group/Sex
Education/Sex
Race/Ethnicity

106. Social MediaSocial Media
Another Way to Stay InformedAnother Way to Stay Informed
twitter.com/uscb_losangeles Facebook.com/USCensus.LosAngeles

107. Assistance with Census Bureau Data
State and Regional assistance
Site is free and user-friendly—guided
searches, tutorials, glossary and FAQ’s

108. 108
U.S. Census BureauU.S. Census Bureau
Partnership & Data Services ProgramPartnership & Data Services Program
(888) 806-6389 Toll Free(888) 806-6389 Toll Free
L.A. Regional Website: www.census.gov/losangelesL.A. Regional Website: www.census.gov/losangeles
laro.isp-partnership@census.govlaro.isp-partnership@census.gov
Resources: Need Assistance?Resources: Need Assistance?
Lia Bolden
Data Dissemination Specialist
Email: elaine.lia.bolden @census.gov
Mobile: 206-799-9868