County Business Patterns is an annual series that provides subnational economic data by industry. The series is useful for studying the economic activity of small areas; analyzing economic changes over time; and as a benchmark for statistical series, surveys, and databases between economic censuses. Businesses use the data for analyzing market potential, measuring the effectiveness of sales and advertising programs, setting sales quotas, and developing budgets. Government agencies use the data for administration and planning.
County Business Patterns covers most of the country's economic activity. The series excludes data on self-employed individuals, employees of private households, railroad employees, agricultural production employees, and most government employees. The County Business Patterns program has tabulated on a North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) basis since 1998. Data for 1997 and earlier years are based on the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) System. For more information on the relationship between the two systems, see the Bridge Between NAICS and SIC.
This series has been published annually since 1964 and at irregular intervals dating back to 1946. The comparability of data over time may be affected by definitional changes in establishments, activity status, and industrial classifications.
Follow these links to overview, definitions, coverage and methodology.
Do you have questions concerning our data and content? Here are some of our Frequently Asked Questions.
Also, see information about recent changes to County Business Patterns.
For more information, contact us at (301)763-2580 or by email.
For information on businesses with no paid employees, see Nonemployer Statistics.
For more frequently requested Census Bureau information at the national, state and county level, see State and County QuickFacts.
