Data Analysis Tool For All

Most of the demographic data used in the DATA examples comes from the U.S. Census Bureau. Start at Explore Census Data Census Bureau Data (https://data.census.gov/). Enter search terms or phrases like “poverty” or “poverty in Illinois” and you will be taken to summary data and a list of tables with more detailed data. Or, start with an Advanced Search Census Bureau - Advanced Search (https://data.census.gov/advanced) and select geographies, topics, and years. From these sites you can generate presentation-ready tables, maps, or downloadable data tailored to your needs.

A great entry point is the QuickFacts portal U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: United States, where you only need to input a location name (state, county, city, town) or a zip code to begin your search.

The U.S. Census Bureau’s Academy offers excellent data courses, webinars, tutorials, and short Data Gem videos: Census Academy (https://www.census.gov/data/academy.html).

Differences between external and internal data are common but don’t render the data useless. For instance, U.S. Census data on poverty by race/ethnicity can help analyze eligible minority populations, even if internal data categories differ. These comparisons can provide insights over time or across specific geographies..

However, external data may not always align perfectly with your needs. For instance:

• The U.S. Census might report income ranges differently, complicating eligibility assessments.
• Race/ethnicity categories may not match those used in your internal data.

Such conflicts highlight the need for cautious interpretation. Data analyses should complement, not solely inform, decisions. Imperfect data can still yield insights, while near-perfect data might not always provide answers.

Rather than avoiding mismatched data, scale your conclusions to reflect confidence in both internal and external sources. Treat data as one piece of a larger effort to understand your clients and their needs holistically.

Don’t worry! There are plenty of resources available to help you refresh your Excel skills:

• Online Tutorials: A quick YouTube search will reveal thousands of Excel tutorials for all skill levels.
• Chandoo.org: This comprehensive site is dedicated to Microsoft Excel and offers an Excel Basics section with 10 beginner-friendly tutorial videos. For more advanced users, there’s a section on Advanced Skills to explore.

Once you’re comfortable working in Excel, these tools can be especially useful for analyzing your organization’s data:

1. Basic calculations: Create totals, averages, maximums, minimums, and identify trends.
2. Charts and graphs: Visualize key data points and trends in a clear and engaging way.
3. Filtering: Focus on specific subsets of data, such as a legal problem, calendar year, or client demographic.
4. Pivot tables: Summarize large datasets into organized and easy-to-read tables.

These skills will help you work efficiently and make better use of your organization’s data.

That’s okay! Start by exploring the other strategies we’ve outlined in this resource.

Your service area likely includes familiar subregions, such as counties, cities, or zip codes. The good news is that these geographic identifiers are probably already in your case management system (CMS). Using Excel or other analysis software, you can calculate the frequency of specific variables (like intakes) for each subregion.

Even without maps, this spatial data can still provide valuable insights. For instance, identifying the top 10 cities for intakes or the top 10 zip codes for foreclosure assistance can reveal patterns worth investigating. A simple frequency table might highlight trends that guide your next steps.

If you’re interested in learning GIS, here are two great options:

1. Training from ESRI: ESRI, the company behind ArcGIS, offers a variety of in-person and online training options for all skill levels. Their resources are tailored to help you build practical GIS skills.
2. University Courses: Many universities offer GIS courses through geography, environmental science, or data science programs. We’ve compiled a list of academic departments and universities (organized by state) that are likely to have GIS curricula [link to Partnerships page].

I’m Interested in Partnering with a University for GIS Expertise—Where Should I Look?

Many academic departments within universities now include GIS expertise. Commonly, GIS specialists can be found in departments such as geography, environmental science, urban planning, or data science.

To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of academic departments and universities (organized by state) that are likely to have GIS expertise [link to Partnerships page].