Statistics can be extremely useful in research. They can also be a challenge to locate. This guide points to some of the major sources of statistical information, but it is not comprehensive. For additional sources, consult the CUA Libraries. Phone 202-319-6473, email  or IM (see box to right).

Statistical Abstract of the United States

The essential source for U.S. statistics, it serves as both a statistical reference providing tabular data on social, political and economic issues and as a guide to other sources, including state and foreign data. It is updated annually. Also available online.
Call number: HA 202
Location: Mullen Library Stacks; most recent edition at the Information Desk

American Statistics Index

American Statistics Index, published by Congressional Information Service, identifies and describes in detail statistical data published by federal government sources. It does not supply statistics. The annual publication is two volumes, with one serving as an index and the other containing abstracts.
Call number: HA 8.7.A1 A51 (subscription ends with 2004)
Location: Main Reading Room (2nd floor, Mullen)

Historical Statistics of the United States, Earliest Times to the Present

Five-volume publication provides historical data as well as references to more detailed sources. Statistics are provided in several areas, including population, labor, migration, price indexes, and land, water and climate.
Call number: HA202 .H57 2006
Location: Reference Room

County and City Extra

An annual publication produced by Bernan Press, a source of statistics for every U.S. state, county, metropolitan area and congressional district and for all cities with population of at least 25,000 people. Subjects covered include vital statistics, crime, education, income, employment and agriculture. The County and City Data Book and State and Metropolitan Area Data Book, from the U.S. Bureau of the Census, are available online (with a delay - the most recent information is available in print only).
Call number: HA 203 .C68
Location: Mullen Library Stacks; most recent edition in the Reference Room

Catholic Almanac

Published by Our Sunday Visitor, the Catholic Almanac provides information on a number of topics related to the Catholic Church, including detailed statistics on the Church in the United States, Canada and Mexico as well as some worldwide statistics.
Call number: AY 81 .R6 N27
Location: Mullen Stacks, most recent edition at the Information Desk and in the Religious Studies & Philosophy Library

Europa World Year Book

Providing detailed information on politics, economics and commerce in 1,650 nations, this two-volume annual publication features statistical surveys on each nation covered.
Call number: D2 .E892
Location: Mullen Library Stacks; most recent edition at the Information Desk