Subject Guide for Census 2000

See also: Census Publications

Contents:
Getting Started
Census 2000 Maps
Census 2000 Data
Guide to American FactFinder

Getting Started

To use the census, you'll need to know two things:

1. The level of geography - including the names/numbers of the specific areas you need.

First, you need to determine the area you need to find census data for. For example, if you're looking for information on San Diego, do you need San Diego county or San Diego city data? Some examples:

For maps showing census geography names/numbers, see Census 2000 Maps below.

For more information about the levels of geography, see:

• Diagram of census geography
• Introduction to Census 2000 Data Products.
• Census 2000 Geographic Terms and Concepts

2. The variables you need.

Next, you need to determine which variables you need.

For more information about Census tables or variables, see:

• Introduction to Census 2000 Data Products Census Bureau
• Overview of Race and Hispanic Origin(PDF) Census Bureau

Census 2000 Maps

San Diego Region 2000 Census Tracts with Subregional Areas SANDAG
This map shows census tract and subregional outlines, but does not show detailed street information. (G 4363 .S24 E25 2000 Ref Desk).

Census Tract maps from the Census Bureau
These paper maps are much more detailed than the SANDAG map, showing census tract boundaries as well as streets. (Map drawer - San Diego Census Boundaries)

Reference Maps American FactFinder
These online interactive maps show boundaries of census tracts and other census geography. Unfortunately, they are rather small when viewing or printing and it can be difficult to see details.

Map Products Census Bureau
This page lists maps available online from the Census Bureau, including PDF maps showing census tract and block boundaries. These PDF maps are easily accessible online, but are large format (36" x 33") and require a plotter to print them as they are. For more information, see Printing From the PDF Map Files and How to Print out Census 2000 Maps in PDF Format .

Thematic Maps American FactFinder
These online interactive maps allow the user to customize maps to show distribution of variables (e.g. average family size by county).

Cartographic Boundary Files Census Bureau
These boundary files are from the Census Bureau's TIGER geographic database and are designed for downloading and use in a Geographic Information System (GIS) or similar mapping system. Note: They cannot be used online.

Census 2000 data

Note: Printed reports are not yet available.

American FactFinder Census Bureau
Contains all 2000 census material available as well as 1990 and other data. Data can be printed or exported as comma or tab delimited. Note: it does not include SANDAG's SRA's. See the Guide to American FactFinder below.

SANDAG's Data Warehouse SANDAG
This user-friendly site includes most of the census data available for San Diego. Includes SRA's, census tracts, and other areas. Data can be downloaded in a variety of formats. Includes 2000 data as well as 1990.

Guide to American FactFinder

This is a general guide to using American FactFinder. If it does not answer your questions, please ask a librarian for assistance.

Basic information

Basic information (e.g. population of a state or county) can be found using the "Start with Basic Facts" on the main screen. Tables on age, sex, detailed race, households and housing for all states, all counties, and all places (cities & towns).

Detailed information

To access more detailed information (including census tract level data) using American FactFinder:

1. Go to the American FactFinder web site (http://factfinder.census.gov)
2. Click on "Data Sets"
3. Select the appropriate data set and then click on "Detailed Tables"
4. Follow the menu on the Detailed Tables - Select Geography page to choose one or more geographic areas
5. Click on "Next"
6. Follow the menu on the Detailed Tables - Select Tables page to choose one or more variables
7. Click on "Show Table"