We teach, learn, lead and serve, connecting people with the University of Wisconsin, and engaging with them in transforming lives and communities.

Social Explorer

Social Explorer Social Explorer (Old but still good) Provides demographic information in an easily understood format: data maps. They have created hundreds of interactive data maps of the United States. The beta version is supported by the National Science Foundation and New York Times. The beta version is focused on New York, but data for […]

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STATS America

STATS America is an easy to use resource for a wide variety of data from many different sources (i.e. U.S. Census, Bureau of Economic Analysis, and Bureau of Labor Statistics). Data profiles on population, housing, income and labor are easily accessible at the state, county, and metro levels. Not only does STATS America compile data from many public and […]

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Sample map (human poverty)

World Mapper

World Mapper is a unique mapping tool that rescales the world map based upon a wide variety of criteria (i.e population, education, wealth, health, internet use). Unlike traditional maps that are scaled based on land area, World Mapper re-sizes each country based on the criteria chosen by the user. The result is maps that dramatically […]

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Applied Population Lab (UW)

The Applied Population Laboratory (APL) is a group of research and outreach professionals in the Department of Community and Environmental Sociology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Several APL faculty and staff also have appointments with UW-Extension.  

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TIGER Base Maps (US Census)

TIGER/Line® Shapefiles and TIGER/Line® Files are provided by the US Census. They do not include demographic data, but they do contain geographic entity codes (GEOIDs) that can be linked to the Census Bureau’s demographic data, available on American FactFinder.

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National Association of Realtors (NAR)

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) provides housing statistics at a national and regional level. The statistics and data available include: Existing-Home Sales Pending Home Sales Index Housing Affordability Index REALTORS® Affordability Distribution Curve and Score Metropolitan Median Home Prices and Affordability County Median Home Prices and Monthly Mortgage Payment An Interactive Map for State […]

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Fuel Economy Calculator

The US Department of Energy offers a Fuel Economy calculator that allows users to both see the approximate costs of fueling their current vehicle and compare vehicles based on MPG, car make and model, and how much the user expects to drive in a city versus highway setting.

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Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT)

From the Wisconsin Department of Transportation About page: “WisDOT supports all forms of transportation. The department is responsible for planning, building and maintaining Wisconsin’s network of state highways and Interstate highway system. The department shares the costs of building and operating county and local transportation systems – from highways to public transit and other modes. […]

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US Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS)

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics collects and supplies information about transportation in the United States. Its Statistical Products and Data page may be most helpful. From the BTS About page: “As the independent statistical agency within the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) is a politically objective supplier of trusted and […]

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US Department of Transportation (US DOT)-Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has publications and statistics on United States transportation systems. From the FHWA About page: “The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is an agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation that supports State and local governments in the design, construction, and maintenance of the Nation’s highway system (Federal Aid Highway Program) and various […]

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Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD)

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development collects and distributes data and information on The Wisconsin labor market and unemployment/employment Wisconsin businesses, industries, and occupations Wages, income, and taxes Education, licenses, and training It also offers projections about industries, occupations, and the population in general. Additionally, its Economist page leads to other ways that users can […]

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Self-Sufficiency Standard

The Self-Sufficiency Standard measures the level of income needed to meet a family’s basic needs without public or private assistance. It includes the minimum necessities, but does not include longer-term needs such as college or retirement savings or short-term “luxuries” like dining out or holiday gifts. It is also separated by state. The goal of making the […]

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National Retail Federation

The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association, encompassing retailers in 45 different countries in addition to U.S. retailers. Retailers include all industries and sizes. Their research is conducted in house. NRF’s Insights and Trends and Retail Resources and Tools pages are likely the most helpful.

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