Big Data News Flash: First Ever U.S. Census Bureau API

The Census Bureau is releasing its first ever API. This online service provides the building blocks for developers to design online and mobile apps, such as interactive maps, charts and databases, using a variety of Census Bureau statistics. The API provides statistics down to the neighborhood level (tracts and block groups) from the 2010 Census Summary File 1 and the 2006-2010 American Community Survey. With these two datasets available in the form of an API, database editors and other developers have easier access to a wide variety of timely, localized information, including population totals, age, sex, race, Hispanic origin, home ownership, education, income, employment, commuting and occupation. The API is currently undergoing beta testing and is scheduled for public release in July. More information here.