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The Economic Census provides a detailed portrait of the Nation's economy once every five years, from the national to the local level. The Economic Census is conducted every five years, in years ending in '2' and '7.' Data from the 1997 Economic Census have been released. Data from the 2002 Economic Census are currently being released on a flow basis through the 2nd quarter of 2006.
The 2002 Economic Census measures business activity during calendar year 2002. Census forms were mailed to more than 5 million companies in December 2002. Businesses received a census form if, based on our best available information, they had one or more paid employees and had significant production (of goods or services) within their industry or area during 2002. There are over 600 versions of the census form, each customized to particular industries. Nonprofit organizations, including nonprofit educational organizations, are included in the 2002 Economic Census. Some very small companies did not receive a census form.
Economic Census statistics are collected and published primarily by "establishment." An establishment is a business or industrial unit at a single physical location that produces or distributes goods or performs services, for example, a single store or factory. Many companies own or control more than one establishment, and those establishments may be located in different geographic areas and may be engaged in different kinds of business. By collecting separate information for each establishment, the Economic Census can include detailed data for each industry and area.
The Economic Census produces a portrait of business activities in industries and communities all across our nation. Alan Greenspan calls the Economic Census "indispensable to understanding America's economy." Commonly used economic indicators - such as the gross domestic product and monthly retail sales - depend on the Economic Census for continued accuracy. But this information is not just for government planners. It is also used by businesses - both large and small. National firms use the information we provide to decide where to locate a factory, store or office. Local businesses use the data to develop their marketing and sales strategies and evaluate expansion opportunities. Facts and figures from the Economic Census provide the foundation for start-up businesses developing business plans. New questions in the 2002 Economic Census help us measure profound changes in the way American companies do business - leased employment, supply chain and outsourcing, and e-commerce sales.
The 2002 Economic Census publishes data primarily on the basis of the 2002 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). Changes between 1997 NAICS and 2002 NAICS are primarily within construction and wholesale trade and do not affect sector totals. Since 90% of all industries are comparable 1997 to 2002, year-to-year comparisons are easier to make.
The 2002 Economic-Wide Key Statistics file includes the following data items for the US, states, counties, places, and metropolitan areas at the 2- through 8-digit NAICS industry codes.
The Economic Census presents statistics for the Nation, States, metropolitan areas, counties, places, and ZIP Codes, but that coverage varies from sector to sector. The greatest variety of statistics and the most detailed classifications usually are published at the national level. There are fewer statistics and less detailed classifications for States, and fewer still for smaller areas, to avoid disclosing information about individual firms.
The 2002 Economic Census data are being disseminated, industry-by-industry and area-by-area in well over a thousand reports, beginning in the first quarter of 2004. There are several related Economic programs, including Nonemployer Statistics, Business Expenses Survey, Survey of Business Owners, and the 2002 Economic Census of Puerto Rico and Island Areas.
Statistics are published in terms of establishments. The Economic Census classifies establishments according to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). The NAICS (pronounced Nakes) is a unique, all-new system for classifying business establishments. Adopted in 1997 to replace the old Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system, it is the industry classification system used by the statistical agencies of the United States.
For the 2002 Economic Census, NAICS codes are used for industry classification. NAICS classifies industries using 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, and 6- digit levels of detail. Sectors, the broadest classifications, are 2-digit codes, while individual industries are represented at the 6-digit code level.
In addition to industries, products in the manufacturing and mining industries are classified consistently with the NAICS structure. The first 6 digits of the 10-digit product code are normally the same as the NAICS code for the industry with which the product is most often associated. Broad product or service lines also are provided for retail and wholesale trade and other service industries.
