Qualitative data: descriptive, data is collected through examining primary sources and observation to get to the ‘how’ and ‘why’
Examples: archival data, case studies, interviews, observations, surveys, secondary data such as reports…
Purdue OWL: Conducting Research: interviews, surveys, question samples, analysing data

Quantitative data: measurable data, collecting data - averages, percentages,
Examples: census, experiments, statistics - any data that can be manipulated into charts, graphs, and tables
Some sources:
FIMo (Fire Insurance Maps Online, historical data),  ArcGIS Software,  PolicyMap,  Social Explorer

Reference USA is accessible through the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library. You will need to obtain a library card to get access to the database.

To find town plans:
Google keyword search: site:.gov  city plan (add city name)
ex: site:.gov city plan Buffalo

You can add in zoning, land use or any other topic you are searching.