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U.S. Census Statistics: Economic Census

Census statistics are a rich source of U.S. economic, social and demographic statistics, particularly for small areas and local communities.This is a basic guide to the major U.S censuses.

Using the Economic Census

Economic Census News

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Economic Census

Content

  • Profiles the US economy from the national to the local level.
  • Census of businesses, not individuals.
  • Currently conducted in years ending in -2 and -7.
  • Provides industry data for the United States, states, counties and zip codes broken down by industry, product, commodity, or service, (1997 onward by NAICS and 1992 and earlier by SIC code).
  • Tables include sales or value of shipments, employment, financial, and operating and business owner statistics.
  • Agricultural, forestry and government sectors are not included in the Economic Census. See the separate Census of Agriculture and Census of Government for those sectors. Complete list of sectors not included in the 2007 Economic Census.
  • Does not provide information on individual companies or brands.

Access

  • Historically this was part of the Census of Population and Housing and was sub-divided into the Census of Manufactures, Business, Mineral Industries, Retail trade, etc.
  • Copies of all Economic Census publications up 1997 are available in print in the MSU Main Library Census Alcove.
  • Digitized up to 1940 in the Census of Population and Housing.
  • From 2002 onward publications and statistics are only available online.

Mapping Economic Census Statistics

Other Economic Programs

While the Economic Census provides the greatest detail for the largest number of geographies, other Census economic programs provide data more frequently.

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