Build a Dataset

Walkthrough

Step 1: Open the Dataset Builder Flow

Navigate to the dataset builder flow from the navigation menu.

Step 2: Select Boundaries

Choose the geographic level that each row and data point in your dataset will represent. This will be from one of the following options:

  • Census tracts

  • Zip code tabulation areas (ZCTA)

  • Counties

  • Congressional districts

Step 3: Select Geographies

Depending on your boundary selection, you may be prompted to further specify your desired geographic area due to dataset size limitations. Select the geographic area(s) that best fits your data needs.

Step 4: Select Data Indicators

Use the dropdown menu and search bar to find and add the indicators that you want included in your dataset. Preview your selections in the grey badge section below, and remove any extraneous selections.

Step 5: Preview Your Selections

Confirm your selected boundary, geographies, and indicators by visually scanning a preview of your dataset.

Step 6: Export Your Dataset

Download your dataset as a .zip file, containing two .csv files, one containing your dataset and the other containing data dictionary information for each indicator selected.

Best Practices

Start with the Decision You Need to Make

Before building a dataset, identify the question, report, or analysis the data will support.

For example:

  • Which communities should receive additional resources?

  • How do conditions vary across service areas?

  • What indicators should be included in a grant application or community assessment?

Starting with a clear objective can help you select only the data that is relevant to your work.

Choose the Appropriate Geographic Level

The geographic boundary you select will determine the level of detail in your dataset.

  • Census Tracts: fine-grained analysis using small statistical boundaries

  • Zip Code Tabulation Areas (ZCTAs): Medium-level regional analysis and comparison

  • Counties: medium-level analysis at state-specific county levels

  • Congressional Districts: High-level analysis divided by state-specific congressional boundaries

Choose the geography that best matches how you intend to analyze or communicate findings.

Select Only the Indicators You Need

While it can be tempting to include many indicators, smaller and more focused datasets are often easier to analyze and interpret.

Prioritize indicators that directly support your objective and remove any unnecessary selections before exporting.

Review Your Dataset Before Exporting

Use the preview step to confirm that:

  • The correct geographic boundary has been selected

  • The intended geographic areas are included and contain data from the original source

  • All desired indicators are present

  • No unnecessary indicators have been added

A quick review can help avoid re-running exports later.

Reference the Data Dictionary

Each export includes a data dictionary that provides additional information about the indicators in your dataset. Use the data dictionary to:

  • Understand indicator definitions

  • Verify data sources

  • Interpret values correctly

  • Document methodology for reports and presentations

Use Exported Data Alongside Map Analysis

Dataset exports and map analyses are often most powerful when used together. Use map analyses to identify patterns and opportunities for exploration, then use exported datasets for deeper analysis, reporting, visualization, or integration into other tools and workflows