Research Guides: Labor Economics: Statistics & Government

Statistical Sites and Resources

American Community Survey
The American Community Survey (ACS) is a nationwide survey designed to provide communities a fresh look at how they are changing. It is a critical element in the Census Bureau's reengineered decennial census program. The ACS collects and produces population and housing information every year instead of every ten years.
Current Population Survey
Monthly survey of ~ 50,000 households. The primary source of info on U.S. labor force characteristics (civilian noninstitutional population). Includes employment info for those 15+ years old. Estimates include employment status, earnings, hours of work; they are available by demographics (age, sex, race, marital status, educational attainment, occupation, industry, class of worker). Questions on school enrollment, income, work experience & schedules, health, & employee benefits are often added.
Social Explorer
Social Explorer provides access to current and historical census data and demographic information by letting users create maps and reports to illustrate, analyze, and understand demography and social change. There is a free (with registration) part of the service and a fee part of the service (that allows access to more in-depth data).
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Social Explorer contains:
The entire US Census from 1790 to 2010.
The entire American Community Survey (ACS) from 2005 to 2012.
All annual updates from the American Community Survey.
InfoGroup data on religious congregations in the United States for 2009 and 2010, including maps for counties and special census areas, as well as point maps of the actual congregation locations.
The Religious Congregations and Membership Study (RCMS) from 1980 to 2010.
Carbon Emissions Data for 2002 from the Vulcan Project.

United States Government Resources

Bureau of Economic Analysis
The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) collects information on national and international trade, accounts, industry, and economic indicators. BEA maintains a section of its website titled "U.S. Economy at a Glance" which highlights their most influential economic indicators such as GDP, Personal Income, Industry Accounts, and U.S. Balance of Payments. Information from the BEA is available by region (state and municipality) and internationally. BEA is part of the U.S. Dept. of Commerce.
United States Census Bureau
The Census Bureau's mission is to serve as the leading source of quality data about the nation's people and economy. The Census Bureau is most known for the decennial census of the population, but it produces many other surveys and reports such as the American Community Survey as well as the Economic Census.
United States Department of Commerce
The Department of Commerce has a broad mandate to advance economic growth and jobs and opportunities for Americans. It has cross cutting responsibilities in the areas of trade, technology, entrepreneurship, economic development, environmental stewardship and statistical research and analysis. Products and services the department provides touch the lives of Americans/American companies in many ways: weather forecasts, the decennial census and patent and trademark protection for inventors and businesses.
United States Bureau of Labor Statistics
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) of the U.S. Department of Labor is the principal Federal agency responsible for measuring labor market activity, working conditions, and price changes in the economy. As an independent statistical agency, BLS provides data on the unemployment rate, Consumer Price Index, Payroll Employment Rate, and Import and Export Price Indexes. Raw statistical data is accompanied by publications such as Occupational Outlook Handbook, and the Monthly Labor Review.

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