The USPTO has introduced a "data visualization center" that includes a "patent dashboard" that is intended to provide the public with a "window to the USPTO".  Of note are current measures of patent pendency, such as the backlog of applications (~728,000), how long it takes to receive a first office action (~26.2 months), and the allowance rate (~60%).  

Check it out here: 

https://www.uspto.gov/dashboards/patents/main.dashxml