Start here - Social Science Data Resources - LibGuides at Northwestern University

Need help?

If you are looking for data for a research methods course, ICPSR, Statistical DataSets or Roper will work just fine. If you need help using those repositories, contact social science data services.

Other Data Resources

Check the Resources for Data Analysis LibGuide for help with statistical methods and statistical programs.

Check other Subject LibGuides for data and statistical resources related to a specific subject.

Other Data and Statistics Directories

Visit Us

The Social Science Data Services is located in Govinfo department - find us here (below). You are also welcome to set an appointment with us.

Key Resources

ICPSR


The Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR) maintains and provides access to thousands of social science datasets for research and instruction. This is a first place to start in looking for social science data for secondary analysis.
Proquest Statistical DataSets
Proquest Statistical DataSets is a collection of over 700 data files from public and commercial sources. Unlike other data aggregation tools, Statistical DataSets offers interactive data visualization, including maps, trends and rankings; and the ability to compare data from different datasets and publishers. Options to export into MS Excel, XML, PDF, PPT, Shape Files and Reference Management Tools.
Roper Center


The Roper Center maintains several thousand polls taken in some 50 foreign countries. Data can be downloaded by topic, by question, or by dataset.
United States Decennial Census


The Government Information Department has a rich collection of official copies in print of the Census of United States conducted between 1790 and 1970. We also have a series of GeoLytics Census Data Products for 1970, 1980, 1990, and 2000 Census and CD/DVDs for 1990 and 2000 Census distributed by U.S. Census Bureau. For other historic census data, you may also check the University of Virginia Library’ Historical Census site.
US Government data and statistical resources--General Reference
Features an alphbetical list of data reserouces from governement agencies. Includes all topics from heatlh, education, economic, crime, child and family, immigration, geneology, labor and many more.