Google Introduces Public Data Search Feature

Find public statistical data through Google

Public statistical data, such as unemployment rates or population numbers, doesn't need to be hard to find or, more importantly, hard to understand. Google is making it easier to find and use important public statistical data from governments and other sources. This data is included in Google.com search results and displayed as interactive graphs that you can customize and share with others.

Find public statistical data through Google Public statistical data, such as unemployment rates or population numbers, doesn't need to be hard to find or, more importantly, hard to understand. Google is making it easier to find and use important public statistical data from governments and other sources. This data is included in Google.com search results and displayed as interactive graphs that you can customize and share with others. Watch a short video on using Google to find public data See public data results If you've ever done research involving large datasets, you know that it can take hours to comb through databases in order to find and analyze trends. Anyone who searches for U.S. unemployment rates or population numbers on Google.com will see relevant statistics and graphs included in their search results. You can even search by state or county (but not by city). Want to give it a try? Try these example searches: [ Florida unemployment rate ], [ Santa Clara county population ]. Not using Google.com? Go to http://www.google.com/webhp?hl=en&gl=us to try these searches. Customize and share public data graphs Clicking a public data result will take you to a larger interactive graph where you can compare the available data. (Having problems viewing the graph? Make sure you're using the latest version of Flash.) Even people who normally shy away from statistics should find these dynamic graphs easy to use and understand. Here are a few suggestions for working with these graphs: Use the checkboxes on the left to add more information to the graph. As you include additional selections, the axes and lines on the graphs may adjust and shift. Hover over a point on a line to see the point's numerical value. It's always good practice to verify a given statistic. To see the source of the data for a given graph, click the link below the graph. Once you've customized a graph, share it with others. Click Link in the upper-right corner of the page to create a URL which you can then paste into an email or IM. Have other questions about using these public data graphs? Visit the Google Web Search Forum. Data sources The unemployment rate and population data you see in Google come from the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics. Keep in mind that even the most recent public statistic is a bit old by the time it's published, since it takes time to collect and process data. Information on accessing the original datasets The public data can be downloaded from the following websites: Unemployment rate Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; Update schedule All U.S. Current population survey: Data access: Compressed zip files: bls.lneu.date200903.Z State and county Local area unemployment statistics: Data access flat files ftp Population Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division; Update schedule All US 2000-2008 Estimates Data access aggregated from state totals 1990-1999 Intercensal estimates Data access aggregated over all counties 1980-1989 Intercensal estimates Data access States 2000-2008 Estimates Data access 1990-1999 Intercensal estimates Data access aggregated over counties by state 1980-1989 Intercensal estimates Data access Counties 2000-2008 Estimates Data access 1990-1999 Intercensal estimates Data access 1980-1989 Intercensal estimates Data access Want to make your public data more visible? We are constantly looking to expand the scope of public data that people can find through Google. To learn more about making your organization's data available through the public data feature of Google search, see our information for data publishers.