Data vs. Statistics
"Data" and "Statistics" are two words that we tend to use interchangeably and yet they refer to two very different things.
Statistics can take the form of percentages or other quick facts presented in an article. They may also be presented in charts, tables, or graphs. Statistics are already analyzed--they are intended to tell you how much or how many of something there is. If you are looking for a quick number on something, you're looking for statistics.
From: California Department of Public Health, California Immunization Registry
Data are the raw materials from which statistics are made. They can take the form of datasets or machine readable files for statistical or textual analysis programs. If you're looking to understand why or how something is happening (and you want to do this research yourself, not read what someone else has written), you're looking for data.
From: Public Health Department, Open Data
Data & Statistics Sources
Finding data and statistics on the unhoused/homeless can be daunting because not every interface is created equal. Browse these general sources a try but if you need assistance, please email me at ayang3@scu.edu.