About Statistics

When searching for statistical data try a variety of resources and use terms that work with the type of resource you are searching. For example, searching the term percent in a database will yield more relevant results than using the term statistics. In contrast, the latter term is effective when searching the Web.

Search Strategies

Search keywords:
To locate statistical information in databases and on the Web, use words that identify your topic or concepts with key terms such as data, statistic or percent.

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Add Date Limits:
If you need statistics within a date range, specify or limit the dates. For example, when searching the Web include the dates in your search query, such as "2019, 2020, 2121, 2022." Most databases and the advanced search in search engines allow you to limit to specific dates.

Locate Authoritative Websites & Government Statistics
Search for and restrict results to government and association or organization fact sheets, which usually include statistics and often reference primary sources, such as original research or studies. As shown in the examples below, limit to domain .gov for government sites or add association or organization to your keyword terms.

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Related Guides

Reference Databases

  •  Sample Reports
    • opens new windowDeaths of Despair (2023) - Current Situation: "...Vast amounts of fentanyl continue to flood the United States. Last year, for example, the Drug Enforcement Administration seized 379 million doses of the drug, enough to kill every person in the country. Drug overdose deaths were up by 14 percent in 2021 over the previous year, the latest year for which the CDC has statistics, two-thirds of those caused by fentanyl."
    • opens new window"Native American Youths" (April 2015) Check out the "Issue Tracker" to view updates and related reports.
    • Try this: For current reports on hot topics in health, click Browse CQR at the top of the databases, then choose Health.T