For all non-restricted variables (demographics, employment, etc.), you should use the .
: You must submit a research proposal via the ResearchDataGov portal .
: Once approved, your institution must sign a Letter of Agreement with the BLS to ensure data security. Download 20212 zip
: Unlike standard public-use files, you cannot simply download a .zip file of Zip Code data from a public link. It requires an approved application through the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Restricted Data Access portal. How to Access and "Download" the Data
: Excellent for browsing thousands of variables and creating custom datasets without needing an account to just explore. : Unlike standard public-use files, you cannot simply
: Upon final approval, the restricted files (including the 2021 Zip Code variables) are typically provided to authorized researchers through a secure transfer process, rather than a public "download" button. Review of NLS Investigator Tool
The NLSY79 is a long-running panel study that follows a nationally representative sample of individuals born between 1957 and 1964. While much of the data is public, specific —like Zip Codes—are restricted to protect participant privacy. : Upon final approval, the restricted files (including
: The 2021 field period represents one of the most recent rounds of data collection for this cohort. Researchers often seek the "Zip Code" file to link survey responses with local environmental, economic, or social data.