CDC Data Portal and Raw Data
NOTE: Some links have redirects for pages included on the main sites. If you see a 404 message, it means that site is no longer available. Look for archived sites for that content.
If you are looking for raw data there are few different areas of the CDC website to check in.
CDC Data Portal
For raw data that can be shared publicly (i.e. it does not have sensitive private information) you can try the CDC data portal (link below). There are a number of preset categories displayed in boxes on the data portal’s homepage or you can click on ‘Browse all’ to search them all.
The results may include files like maps, stories, calendars and other things, so if you are only looking for datasets, select that option from the View Types filter on the left.
- Browse CDC Portal CatalogFrom Browse, you can search with keywords in the search bar at the top and filter your searchers using the options to the left, including Categories, Type, Tags and Domain.
De-Identified Vital Statistics
- Vital Statistics Online Data PortalFor raw vital statistics data (births, deaths, and related data) the Vital Statistics Online Data Portal has US data files, US Territories data files, and user guides all organized by year. While these datasets are deidentified, make sure to read the Data Use Agreement and Data Use Policy before using these data files.
Sensitive Raw Data
For raw data that may include sensitive information there are a few different sources. The CDC’s Research Data Center allows researchers to access restricted data through a mediated application process.
- Research Data Center (RDC)The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) operates the Research Data Center (RDC) to allow researchers access to restricted-use data. The RDC is responsible for protecting the confidentiality of survey respondents, study subjects, or institutions while providing access to restricted-use data for statistical purposes. Researchers must submit an application outlining the need for access to restricted-use data. The application provides a framework for NCHS to identify potential disclosure risks and how the data will be used.
CDC WONDER
If you are not sure where to look for specific CDC statistics or want to browse the datasets available, start with CDC WONDER (Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research) -link below.
CDC WONDER provides a menu of different databases under three tabs. The first tab, WONDER systems, highlights some databases things like AIDS data, birth and death data, environmental data, and population data. Under the second tab, Topics, you will find a long list of specific databases across a variety of health-related subjects. The third tab, A-Z index, provides an alphabetical list of databases.
- CDC WonderTo find data check the Topics list provided by WONDER, and keep in mind that navigating other portals may be different from WISQARS.
WISQARS and other CDC Databases
The CDC also operates WISQARS, which allows users to query databases of specific data.on injuries in the US, The data is broken up by fatal and nonfatal injuries, and cost of injuries. There are additional subcategories, for instance Fatal Injuries has a separate portal for violent fatal injuries.
Beyond WISQARS, there are several other specific data sites listed below.
- Web-based Injury Statistics and Query System (WISQARS)interactive, online collection of modules that provides fatal, nonfatal, and cost of injury data.
Create reports and visualizations. - WISQARS Fatal TrendsExample page
Example Topic Pages
- Interactive Atlas of Heart Disease and StrokeInteractive Atlas of Heart Disease and Stroke is an online mapping tool that allows users to create and customize county-level maps of heart disease and stroke by race and ethnicity, gender, age group, and more
- Chronic Disease Indicatorsnational and state estimates for a set of key surveillance indicators of chronic diseases and their risk factors. Where applicable, estimates are broken down by sex, race and ethnicity, and age group.
Drug Prevention and Overdose CDC resources
- Overdose PreventionProvides links to maps, and data sources SUDOR and DOSE
- State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System (SUDORS)Dashboard
collects data on unintentional and undetermined intent drug overdose deaths from death certificates, medical examiner or coroner reports, and postmortem toxicology results. - Drug Overdose Surveillance and Epidemiology (DOSE)captures electronic health record information. Currently, 42 states and the District of Columbia share syndromic surveillance data with DOSE.
BRFSS
- Behavioral Risk Surveillance SystemSite has a note that the site is being modified to meet executive orders Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) collects data in all 50 states as well as the District of Columbia and three U.S. territories. BRFSS completes more than 400,000 adult interviews each year, making it the largest continuously conducted health survey system in the world.