The Current Population Survey (CPS) is a monthly survey of about 50,000
households conducted by the Bureau of the Census for the Bureau of
Labor Statistics. The survey has been conducted for more than 50 years.
The CPS is the primary source of information on the labor force characteristics
of the U.S. population. The sample is scientifically selected to represent
the civilian noninstitutional population. Respondents are interviewed
to obtain information about the employment status of each member of
the household 15 years of age and older. However, published data focus
on those ages 16 and over. The sample provides estimates for the nation
as a whole and serves as part of model-based estimates for individual
states and other geographic areas.
Estimates obtained from the CPS include employment, unemployment, earnings,
hours of work, and other indicators. They are available by a variety
of demographic characteristics including age, sex, race, marital status,
and educational attainment. They are also available by occupation,
industry, and class of worker. Supplemental questions to produce estimates
on a variety of topics including school enrollment, income, previous
work experience, health, employee benefits, and work schedules are
also often added to the regular CPS questionnaire.
CPS data are used by government policymakers and legislators as important
indicators of our nations’s economic situation and for planning
and evaluating many government programs. They are also used by the
press, students, academics, and the general public.
Current Population Survey (CPS)
A joint effort between the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Census Bureau
2008 ASEC
2008 Annual Social and Economic (ASEC) Supplement
2008 Detailed Data Tables
- Person Income: 2007
- Poverty: 2007
- Family Income: 2007
- Household Income: 2007
- Health Insurance Coverage: 2007
Contact Us
Contact the Housing and Household Economic Statistics Division at (301) 763-3242 or the Current Population Survey Branch at (301) 763-3806, or visit ask.census.gov for further information on the Current Population Survey/Annual Social and Economic (ASEC) Supplement.
