The U.S. Census BureauGo to U.S. Census Bureau Home Page
The U.S. Census BureauGo to U.S. Census Bureau Home Page

skip to Main Content
  Resources
  Home
  General FAQs
  Industry Information
  Electronic Reporting
  Online Services
  2007 Econ. Census Forms
  Form Archive
 
  General
  About the Econ. Census
  Contact Us
  Key Dates
  Changes for 2007
  Census Program
  What's Asked
  How Data Are Used
  Glossary
 
  Classification Info.
  Classification FAQs
  Classification Forms
 
  Miscellaneous
  Legal
  Confidentiality
  Website Feedback Form
  Site Map
 
  Related Sites
  SBO and BES Surveys
  Other Economic Surveys
  NAICS
  2002 Econ. Census Help
  business.census.gov
 
business.census.gov
Search For: 
 You are here: BHS Home arrow General FAQs arrow Using Census Results

 Using Census Results



30.  How can I use census statistics?

Businesses can use census statistics to improve their profitability and efficiency, and to better understand their markets. Indirectly, businesses use census statistics every time the Census Bureau’s monthly, quarterly, and annual reports are featured in news reports, presented in business analyses and industry publications, or incorporated into commercial and other agency data services. In addition, businesses like yours can use census statistics to:

  • Gauge competition. Manufacturers can compare their value-added per employee to the census average for their industries, assess their relative operating efficiency, and plan changes needed to increase profitability.

  • Calculate market share. Suppliers of business materials and services can compare their sales to census totals for state and local areas, determine their market shares for each area, and define marketing areas and sales targets.

  • Evaluate store locations. Retail businesses can compare their sales to local census totals for their industry, to local population and income statistics, and decide which locations are best for new or expanded store operations.

  • Seek new financing. Businesses in need of equity or loan financing can use census statistics for their industry, related industries, and sales markets to produce more informative prospectuses, financing applications, and business presentations.

back to category

31.  How can I obtain census statistics?

Statistics from the 2007 Economic Census will become available starting early in 2009. Complete census statistics for 2002 and previous census years are available at www.census.gov/econ2002 and also at many local and university libraries, State Data Centers, Census Information Centers, U.S. Census Bureau Regional Offices, and the U.S. Census Bureau headquarters Customer Services office. A comprehensive view of available Census Bureau economic statistics is available online at www.census.gov/business.

  • The results of the 2002 Economic Census are available online, along with a guide to obtaining and using the data, at www.census.gov/econ/census02.

  • The Economic Census is the foundation for many other U.S. Census Bureau economic statistics programs. You can obtain results from these related programs at www.census.gov/business.

  • To contact the U.S. Census Bureau Customer Services office please call 301-763-INFO, or write to Customer Services, U.S. Census Bureau, Washington, DC 20233-0800.

back to category

Last revised: March 07 2008 13:35:01

This symbol Symbol indicating that file is external to this site. indicates a link to a non-government web site. Our linking to these sites does not constitute an endorsement of any products, services or the information found on them. Once you link to another site you are subject to the policies of the new site.