Microdata access on data.census.gov/mdat allows you to create custom tables that are not available in the pre-made tables on data.census.gov.

It is powered by public use microdata. This is where we take responses received from our surveys, remove personal information so you cannot identify any specific person/household, and put additional edits in place to protect the confidentiality of respondents. Then we provide the set of raw data for you to conduct your own statistical analysis. Working with microdata requires you to select variables, create categories, format the table, and apply weights on your own.

Microdata Access on data.census.gov/mdat allows you to create these custom tables on our site without having to use your own statistical software or special programming. Instructions for using the site are available on the Microdata Access Resources page.

Before diving into microdata, here are a few tips:

• Use pre-made tables on data.census.gov whenever possible: The data will be more accurate in a pre-made table compared to a custom table you make. The process to find a pre-made table is also easier than to create a custom table on data.census.gov/mdat.
• Geographic coverage in microdata is limited: You can access data for the nation, region, division, and state. A few surveys provide data for public use microdata areas (PUMAs) and counties.

We also encourage you to check out our short video: What is Microdata and Why Should I Use It?

Email us at census.data@census.gov for any questions or comments you may have.  For more guidance on data availability and using data.census.gov, the Census API, and Microdata Access, visit our Resources page.