What can you find in this collection?

The Statistical Abstract draws on data produced by: 

• US Census Bureau
• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Bureau of Economic Analysis
• Other federal agencies
• Private organizations

In order to create tables on:

• Population                                             
• Agriculture
• Revenue
• Imports and exports
• Health and nutrition
• Labor, employment, and earnings
• Foreign commerce and aid
• Education
• Immigration
• Education
• Law enforcement, courts, and prisons
• Environment and weather
• Elections and voting
• National security
• Social insurance and human services
• Income
• Wealth and poverty
• Business enterprise
• Science and technology
• Energy and utilities
• Forestry, fishing, and mining
• Construction and housing
• Transportation
• Information and communications
• Banking, finance, and insurance
• Arts, recreation, and travel
• Accommodation, food services, and other services
• International statistics

The Statistical Abstract of the United States

The first Statistical Abstract of the United States was published in 1878, and contained data dating back to the first census in 1790. The US Census Bureau produced a statistical abstract every year except for 1884 and 1927, but budget cuts forced it to end publication in 2012. 

The first statistical abstract in 1878 contained 14 sections with 150 tables, and by 2012, the abstract had grown to include 30 sections with 1406 tables. 

Access the HathiTrust collection here. 

Searching the Collection

• Because the volumes are not fully optimized with optical character recognition, it is difficult to use full-text search. 
• Within newer volumes, searching within the text is possible and fairly accurate. 
• Volumes are fully cataloged by publication date, so volumes are in publication order and easy to identify. 
• Table titles and numbers are included in contents to help locate desired statistics.

Other Resources