Information about how much Americans spend for groceries, clothing, health care, transportation, housing and other items will be collected in April 2004 by U.S. Census Bureau field representatives from a sample of randomly selected households across the country.

     In the Consumer Expenditure (CE) Survey, about 7,500 households will be interviewed once every three months — over a one-year period. Another 7,500 households will record their expenditures for two weeks only. The results are published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Government economists use the results to update a “market basket” of goods and services for the Consumer Price Index, the single most widely used measure of inflation in the country.

     “Without the Consumer Price Index,” said James Holmes, director of the Census Bureau’s Atlanta regional office, “businesses around the country would not be able to keep wages, salaries and pensions in line with increases in the cost of living.”

     Prior to the survey, the selected households receive a letter from Census Bureau Director Louis Kincannon informing them of the upcoming survey. In addition, Census Bureau field representatives, who conduct the interviews, carry official photo identification badges. The law ensures survey respondents’ personal information and answers are kept confidential.

     The following data on transportation expenditures, as an example of CE results, will be updated in April.

Household Spending on Transportation: 2001-200

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