Other Data Sources

Key Facts & Trends

The Economic Census, which is conducted by the Bureau of the Census, provides a detailed picture of the nation’s economy. 
  • Conducted every five years—in years ending in “2” or “7”—it covers nearly all sectors of the U.S. economy.  Detailed data are collected on businesses large and small. More than 95% of the nation’s GDP is covered by the survey.
  • The 2002 Economic Census surveyed five million businesses. More than 650 types of questionnaires were sent out, yielding a richly detailed portrait of American businesses.
  • The data collected by the Survey of Business Owners and self-employed persons (SBO) are used to evaluate the extent and growth of business ownership by minorities and women. 
  • The forms for the next Economic Census will be mailed out in December 2007. 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is the principal fact-finding agency for the federal government in the field of labor economics and statistics. As an independent statistical agency it collects, processes, analyzes, and disseminates essential statistical data to the American public, and federal, state and local governments.  Its major reports include
  • Labor force statistics from the Current Population Survey that provides data on employment, unemployment, earnings, and other labor market topics by demographic characteristics.
  • Nonfarm payroll statistics from the Current Employment Statistics  that provides monthly national data by industry on employment, hours, and earnings of workers on the payrolls of non-farm establishments.
  • A quarterly census of employment and wages that gives comprehensive employment and wage data by industry and geographic area for workers covered by state unemployment insurance laws.

Policy Implications

The data collected by the Economic Census help businesses and governments and businesses alike make better decisions.
  • Business can determine their market share and compare their operating ratios to census averages. Businesses can also target their business-to-business marketing efforts and make better decisions on where to locate new offices or manufacturing facilities.
  • Governments are better able to promote women and minority-owned businesses and craft policies that expand employment and output.

The data collected by the BLS:
  • Give businesses a clearer understanding of the supply and demand for labor in their industry and geographic area.
  • Provide governments at all levels with a better understanding of labor market developments so that they can develop policies to promote sustainable growth in employment and earnings.