Data Sources & Tools Relevant to Rural Health

Source/ Tool	Topics	Ease of Use	Geographic Level of Data	Frequency Updated
2014 Update of the Rural-Urban Chartbook Rural Health Reform Policy Research Center Individual data tables (Excel)	Data from many federal sources on the following topics: Demographics Health behaviors and risk factors Mortality rates Healthcare access and use Other health measures	Printed report Excel spreadsheet	National Regional 5 levels of urbanization / rurality	Infrequent. The 2014 edition updates a 2001 report from the CDC.
American Community Survey (ACS) U.S. Census Bureau Access current ACS data via data.census.gov Other Data Tools for accessing ACS data	Demographic Age and sex Ancestry Disability Commuting to work Education Employment Family/relationships Health insurance Income and earnings Language Origins Population change Poverty Race and ethnicity Veterans Housing - financial and physical characteristics	A variety of tools are available, for varying levels of expertise and purpose	National State County Community Rural-specific Public Use Microdata Area ZIP Code Tabulation Area Full list of geographic areas	Data estimates are released every year 1-year estimates for areas with population of 65,000 or more 5-year estimates for areas with population below 65,000
Area Health Resources Files (AHRF) Health Resources and Services Administration	Data from many sources on the following topics: Healthcare facilities Healthcare utilization Healthcare workforce Health professions training Demographics Social determinants of health Rural classifications	Available via a straightforward online dashboard. Data also available for download in SAS and ASCII format.	National State County	See AHRF Data Download Documentation for years of data available.
Atlas of Rural and Small-Town America Economic Research Service (ERS) US Department of Agriculture	Population change overall and by demographic group ACS data BLS data 60 socioeconomic indicators	Easy, web-based interface	County	Ongoing, as new data is available
BEA Regional Economic Accounts Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Access BEA Interactive Regional Data Access per capita income via BEARFACTS Local Area (County) Fact Sheets	Employment Per capita income Income by industry (including healthcare)	Somewhat complex and powerful web-based tool and county-level customizable mapping. Easy printable fact sheets for income data	State County Metropolitan/Nonmetro	Annual
Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention For state-level data access options, see BRFSS State Coordinators	Health behaviors of adults, including: Chronic diseases and conditions Health-risk behaviors Use of preventive health services	Accessing BRFSS county-level data directly requires statistical expertise Comparing counties within a state is considered appropriate by the CDC. Comparing individual counties across state lines is not considered appropriate due to the methodological constraints of the sample. CDC web-based tools do not provide county-level details. Easier-to-use tool that includes BRFSS data: County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, which offers information based on BRFSS data, aggregated, analyzed, and summarized for use in County Health Rankings PLACES: Local Data for Better Health offers an interactive map with access to BRFSS data	National State County (Public release data not available for any county with fewer than 10,000 residents)	Annual
Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Index Blue Cross Blue Shield National Health Index State and County Views	Comprehensive health scores based on claims data of over 41 million Blue Cross Blue Shield commercially insured members. Top state and county health conditions.	Easy, web-based interface	National State County
CDC WONDER Centers for Disease Control and Prevention	Public health Environment Births Mortality	A complex but fairly user-friendly web-based system that offers many options to narrow results. Results may vary depending on how and when different fields are selected.	National State County (births) Rural (mortality)	Annual
Census Business Builder Regional Analyst Edition U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Commerce	Data for regional planning from a variety of sources covering: Businesses Demographics Socioeconomic data Housing	Easy, web-based interface	State County City ZIP code	Annual and every 5 years, depending on source
CMS Data Navigator Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services	A range of CMS programs, including: Medicaid Medicare CHIP Health Insurance Marketplace Demonstrations	Easy-to-use interface for identifying data sources and reports. Some sources require statistical expertise.	National Regional State County Hospital Referral Region	Varies
CMS Provider Data Catalog Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services	Access to the data sets used on the Medicare.gov quality of care websites: Hospital Compare Nursing Home Compare Physician Compare Home Health Compare Hospice Compare Others in the “Compare” collection	Datasets available for download. Statistical expertise required.	Varies by data set	Each data set includes documentation on updates by date.
CMS Research, Statistics, Data & Systems	A range of CMS programs	Starting point to access a wide variety of CMS data files.
County Health Rankings & Roadmaps Robert Wood Johnson Foundation	Compiles and standardizes data from a variety of national sources on these topics: Health factors Health behaviors Clinical Care Social and economic factors Physical environment Health outcomes Length of life Quality of life	Easy, web-based interface Can download ranking data as Excel file	County (Some data may not be available for all counties)	Annual
Current Population Survey U.S. Census Bureau & Bureau of Labor Statistics Access via IPUMS-CPS Access via CPS Data Tools	Labor force statistics, including: Unemployment rate Earnings Demographics Health insurance Disability status	Web-based tools are complex and require expertise to use effectively and appropriately. To access rural-specific data via IPUMS-CPS, select "Metro" from the Geographic Variables. For guidance in using this tool, see the IPUMS-CPS Frequently Asked Questions.	State County Rural	Monthly (March data serves as national benchmark for various indicators) IPUMS-CPS: Annual Social and Economic Supplement (ASEC) data each September Basic monthly survey data
The Dartmouth Atlas of Health Care The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice	Compiles Medicare data on: Spending Utilization Quality	Download options, as well as somewhat complex web-based option to make custom datasets and graphs	Data available for each geography varies: Hospital Referral Region Hospital Service Area County (limited data) Hospital
data.census.gov U.S. Census Bureau	Centralized access to a variety of U.S. Census Bureau data	Both guided and advanced search options are available	National State County Community Rural-specific	Ongoing, as new U.S. Census Bureau data is available
Data.CMS.Gov Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services	Central data portal for information on a wide range of CMS programs and providers.	Web-based interface with a variety of controls and options	Varies by data set
data.HRSA.gov Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)	HRSA program data, including: Rural health Loans and scholarships Shortage areas Health centers External data on: Demographics (ACS) Healthcare facilities (CMS)	Powerful, complex web-based data portal and map tool for creating custom data views and maps Variety of other tools and publications	Varies by data set	Shortage areas as frequently as daily CMS facilities updated quarterly
Data Resource Center for Child & Adolescent Health Child and Adolescent Health Measurement Initiative (CAHMI)	Data from the National Survey of Children’s Health and the National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs on: Child health indicators Family life indicators	Most useful for researchers. State-level rural data is available for some states, but only in the public use files, not via the web interface. Analyzing requires the ability to statistically account for the weighted nature of the survey.	National State	Annual
DEA Pain Pills Database Washington Post How to Download and Use the DEA Pain Pills Database	Access to ARCOS data from the Drug Enforcement Agency	Easy-to-use, web-based interface. Available for download and via API. Some technical expertise required.	National State County	2006-2014
Department of Veterans Affairs Opioid Prescribing Data U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs	VA facility opioid-dispensing rates	Easy-to-use map and table	VA facilities	2012-2018
ERS State Fact Sheets Economic Research Service (ERS) US Department of Agriculture	Data from ERS, Census, BLS, BEA on: Population Food security Income Education Employment	Easy, printable list of relevant information	National State Rural-specific	Ongoing, as new data is available
Food Access Research Atlas Economic Research Service (ERS) US Department of Agriculture	Data from a range of sources on: Food deserts Food access indicators	Easy, web-based interface Downloadable data that can be merged into GIS software at the 2010 Census Tract level for use with other spatial layers.	Census tracts
Food Environment Atlas Economic Research Service (ERS) US Department of Agriculture	Data from a range of sources on: Access to healthy food Food security Obesity rates Physical activity Demographics	Easy, web-based interface Data can also be downloaded and merged into GIS software.	State County (not available for all data)
FoodAPS National Household Food Acquisition and Purchase Survey Economic Research Service (ERS) US Department of Agriculture	Food items and prices for households and individuals Food and nutrition assistance program benefits Local food environments	Restricted-use data files Requires statistical expertise	County Census tract Census block group	Infrequent. FoodAPS-1 released in 2016 based on 2012-2013 survey; FoodAPS-2 is planned
HDPulse Data Portal National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities	Health disparities data from federal sources on the following topics: Mortality Socio-demographics Health screening Risk factors	Easy-to-use web-based system	State County	Annual
The Health and Well-Being of Children in Rural Areas: A Portrait of the Nation 2011-2012 Health Resources and Services Administration Published 4/2015	Data from the National Survey of Children's Health on the following topics: Health status Health insurance coverage Healthcare access Family life and parental health status School and neighborhood factors	Web-based and printed report	National Rural-specific	Infrequent. The 2015 edition updates a 2011 report based on 2007 data
Health, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Data Finder: Select “Metropolitan and nonmetropolitan” under Population Subgroups.	Data from a range of sources on: Health status and determinants Healthcare utilization, Access Expenditures	Publication with charts/tables Supporting Excel files available on the website	National State Rural-specific	Annual
Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Access via HCUPnet HCUP Fast Stats, including Opioid-Related Hospital Use	Hospital care data from a set of databases on: Inpatient utilization Emergency department utilization Access Cost Quality Outcomes	Easy, web-based access Public-use and fee-based versions	National State & County (for participating states, some providing estimates only) Rural (location of patient residence) Sets/groups of hospitals, including rural hospitals U.S.-Mexico Border Region (via HCUPnet)	Ongoing, as data is available
HealthLandscape American Academy of Family Physicians Free, but registration required	Data from a variety of sources showing: Healthcare facilities Health status Health insurance Employment and income Demographics	Somewhat complex but powerful web-based interactive mapping	State County
Interactive Atlas of Heart Disease and Stroke Centers for Disease Control and Prevention	Data from a variety of federal sources on: Heart disease Stroke Social determinants of health Health services Healthcare costs Healthcare facilities	Fairly straightforward web-based mapping system	National State County
Kaiser State Health Facts Kaiser Family Foundation	Data from a variety of public and private sources on: Demographics Healthcare costs Health insurance Health status Minority and women's health Medicaid and Medicare Healthcare providers	Easy, web-based access	State	Ongoing, as new data is available Focuses on issues of current concern, so may have limited trending data for a given topic
KIDS COUNT Data Center Annie E. Casey Foundation	Data on children's health and well-being, from a variety of national and state sources, covering: Demographics Economic well-being Education Family and community Health Safety and risk behaviors	Easy to navigate website	State County Congressional District	Annual
Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Access LAUS Tables Access LAUS Map Access LAUS Customized Tables	Employment Unemployment	Basic tables available on web site Easy-to-use maps Somewhat complex web-based search tool	County	Monthly
Longitudinal Tract Data Base Brown University	1970-2010 Census and American Community Survey data with standardized tract boundaries	Files available for download, requires data expertise	Census tract
Mapping Medicare Disparities Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services	Provides data on Medicare beneficiaries on: Health disparities Chronic conditions Health outcomes Healthcare utilization Cost	Easy-to-use web-based system	State County Hospital	Currently offers 2012-2018 data
Market Saturation and Utilization Data Tool Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services	Medicare provider services and utilization for: Ambulance Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) Home health Hospice Physical and occupational therapy Skilled nursing facilities More	Interactive map and data set offer many options to narrow and customize results.	National State County Core-Based Statistical Area (CBSA)	Selected date ranges available
Measure of America Access Measure of America Maps	Data from a variety of sources on topics related to: Health Education Income	Easy, web-based map tool. Zoom in or enter ZIP code for a county profile County data can be downloaded by submitting a download agreement.	National maps with county-level data County profiles	Varies by data source
Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)	Healthcare access Health services utilization Healthcare costs and payment methods Healthcare quality Health insurance coverage and cost	Easy to access summary tables Somewhat complex web-based system Downloadable files require advanced data skills and do not contain metropolitan / non-metropolitan identifiers. More granular data is available through the Federal Statistical Research Data Centers.	National State Metropolitan / Non-metropolitan
Medicare Chronic Conditions Dashboards Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services	Provides data on Medicare beneficiaries on: Chronic condition prevalence Healthcare utilization and Medicare spending related to chronic conditions	Easy-to-use web-based system	National State County	Currently offers 2017 data
Medicare Geographic Variation Dashboards Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services	Medicare fee-for-service per capita costs	Fairly straightforward, web-based tool In the county dashboard, select a state by clicking the map.	National State County Hospital referral region	Annual
Medicare Part D Opioid Prescribing Mapping Tool Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services	Opioid prescribing rates based on Medicare Part D claims	Straightforward map-based system	State County ZIP code Rural/Urban	2016 data, plus change since 2013
National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS); National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) Survey Results and Products	Data on ambulatory medical care services, including services provided by office-based physicians, hospital emergency and outpatient departments, and ambulatory surgery centers	Data is available in reports and tables on specific topics. Data is only to be used on one stratification level at a time; drilling down beyond the presented stratifications breaks the sampling scheme.	National Rural/Urban based on patient ZIP code	Reports issued throughout the year
NACo County Explorer National Association of Counties	Wide range of topics, including: Health status Local health departments Healthcare access Social determinants of health	Easy-to-use web-based system	County
NCHHSTP AtlasPlus National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP)	HIV/AIDS Viral hepatitis Tuberculosis Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Social determinants of health	Somewhat complex web-based system that offers various narrowing options depending on the data	National State County
NCHS Data Visualization Gallery National Center for Health Statistics	Natality, including teen births Mortality, including: Drug poisoning mortality (with urban-rural trends by state)	Interactive data visualization tools and downloadable accompanying data sets	Varies by visualization, may include: Nation State County	Varies by visualization
National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics US Department of Veterans Affairs	Veteran population VA benefit utilization	Downloadable files Static maps	National State County
National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Data Query Tool Info by Location (County)	Environmental health topics and related health effects: Air quality Heat exposure Pesticide exposure Asthma Cancer COPD Heart disease	Easy, web-based interface	National State County	Annual
National Health Interview Survey National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) Access NHIS Tables of Summary Health Statistics Access NHIS Datasets Access NHIS Early Release Program	Health status Health behaviors Health insurance coverage	Easy to access summary tables and online dynamic report of quarterly key health indicators	Metropolitan / Non-metropolitan Large MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area), small MSA, not in an MSA	Annual
National Historical Geographic Information System (NHGIS) Minnesota Population Center, University of Minnesota	Historical Census data GIS-compatible boundary files	Free, but registration required to view data. Somewhat complex system for selecting files. Video tutorial available.	Nation State County Place Rural	Census Data from 1790-present
National Survey on Drug Use and Health Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Access Drug Use and Health Detailed Tables, 2020	Mental health conditions and services Substance use incidence and treatment	Detailed tables available on website. For rural data, look for tables that list "Geographic Characteristics"	National State Regions within states Rural-specific	Annual
Neighborhood Atlas	Area Deprivation Index (ADI) state and national rankings, factoring in income, education, employment, and housing quality	Easy, web-based interface Data available for download	Census Block	Currently offers 2013 Area Deprivation Index data
Net Migration Patterns for U.S. Counties Applied Population Laboratory, University of Wisconsin-Madison	Population Age Race/ethnicity Sex	Easy web-based interface	County	1950-2010
Opioid Overdose: U.S. Prescribing Rate Maps Centers for Disease Control and Prevention	Retail opioid prescriptions	Straightforward map-based system	State County	Annual
PLACES: Local Data for Better Health Centers for Disease Control and Prevention	Chronic disease related data covering: Health outcomes Prevention Unhealthy behaviors	Easy, web-based interface Data available for download	County Place Census tract ZIP code	Annual
Population Estimates U.S. Census Bureau	Age Sex Race and ethnicity	Straightforward web-based tables	National State County Cities and towns	Annual
QuickFacts U.S. Census Bureau For detailed information, see: QuickFacts: What's New & FAQs	Data from multiple Census Bureau censuses, surveys, and programs on the following topics: Demographics Housing Education Economy Income and Poverty Businesses	Easy-to-use Good starting place for beginner data users Easy to compare multiple geographies Includes tables, maps, charts	National State County Cities and towns with population of 5,000 or more Zip code	Ongoing, as new data is available
Rural Data Portal Housing Assistance Council	Data from a range of sources on: Demographics Social indicators Economics Housing	Easy-to-use web-based tool	National, with rural option State, with rural option County	Ongoing, as new data is available, with at least two updates annually.
Rural-Urban Differences Among Older Adults University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center	Data on adults age 65+ covering: Demographics Socioeconomic data Healthcare access and use Health behaviors and health status	Printed report	National Rural-urban	One-time report. Uses data from the 2013-2017 ACS, 2015 National Health and Aging Trends Study, and 2016 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey.
Small Area Health Insurance Estimates (SAHIE) U.S. Census Bureau Access SAHIE Interactive Data Tool	Health insurance coverage by age, race, gender, and income	Straightforward web-based tool Easy-to-find national maps showing county-level data	State County	Updated annually, but base data may not be as current for all rural areas, because it uses ACS data.
Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (SAIPE) U.S. Census Bureau Access SAIPE Interactive Data Tool Access SAIPE State and County Maps	Annual model-based estimates for poverty (including children in poverty) Median household income	Straightforward web-based tool Easy-to-find national maps showing county-level data	State County School District	Updated annually, but base data may not as current for all rural areas, because it uses ACS data.
State Cancer Profiles National Cancer Institute	Cancer burden Screening and risk factors Demographic data	Easy-to-use web-based system, including mapping	National State County	Data comes from state public health surveillance systems, so is updated as complete national data is available. State websites may offer more detailed and more current data.
U.S. Diabetes Surveillance System Centers for Disease Control and Prevention	Diabetes and related health concerns, including: Burden of diabetes Preventive care Health status and disability Risk factors End-stage renal disease Social determinants of health	Interactive, customizable map for accessing data. Select “indicators” to view the data options.	National State County	Annual
Why Not The Best? The Commonwealth Fund	Data from a range of sources on: Quality Patient experience Outcomes Health status	Easy system for comparing regions and hospitals	State Hospital Referral Region County Hospital Groups of hospitals, including "average rural" and by bed size	Ongoing
WISQARS Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Fatal Injury Data Visualization Explore Metro/nonmetro: Fatal Injury Reports	Fatal and nonfatal injury Violent death Cost of injury	Web-based system with a variety of search options	National Region State County Metropolitan / Non-metropolitan	Data from a variety of sources. Year ranges available vary.

Selected sources identified via:
Using Data to Understand Your Community, Rural Health Value