How do I get block-group level population data from the 1990 census?

USA
1

I need the population for every block group in Los Angeles County in 1990.

I’ve just spend hours going through the IPUMS FAQs and tutorials yet I still cannot seem to find the answer to this basic question.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

2

You can find the 1990 block group population data in IPUMS NHGIS, which is where you may find small-area statistics for the United States.

Follow these steps to find the data you need:

  1. Go to https://www.nhgis.org/

  2. Click the GET DATA button.

  3. Click the YEARS filter to open the pop up.

  4. Click the checkbox next to 1990.

  5. Click SUBMIT to apply the filter.

  6. Click the GEOGRAPHIC LEVELS button to open the pop up.

  7. Click the plus icon next to Block Group (by State–County–Census Tract)

  8. Click SUBMIT to apply the filter.

  9. You will now see 377 source tables listed in the SELECT DATA grid. Click the plus icons next to any of the data tables you want.

  10. After you’re done adding tables to your cart, click the CONTINUE button in the upper right hand corner.

  11. You will be taken to the data options page. Just click the CONTINUE button in the upper right hand corner again.

  12. Now you will be on the Review page. Choose your file structure (CSV or fixed-width text file).

  13. Click the GEOGRAPHIC EXTENTS popup button.

  14. Click on the states (e.g., California) for which you want block group data.

  15. Click SUBMIT to apply your selection.

  16. Finally, click the SUBMIT button to submit your extract for processing.

You will receive an email when your dataset is ready.