U.S. Census Bureau data show that the country’s official unemployment rate was 5.1 percent in September 2005. So what is the source for this important economic indicator?

     The information was gathered from the Census Bureau’s monthly Current Population Survey (CPS) — which dates from 1942 — making it the longest-running household survey in the country.

     “The CPS is the primary source of information for state and local governments and businesses with respect to the country’s labor force,” said George Grandy Jr., director of the Census Bureau’s Atlanta regional office. “Information collected by the CPS helps government policy-makers, businesses and academicians fully assess the nation’s economic condition.”

     Every month, Census Bureau field representatives ask selected households questions relevant to the U.S. labor force, such as employment status, hours worked, earnings, age, sex, race, marital status, educational attainment, occupation and industry. From their answers come estimates of the unemployment rate, released monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

     Prior to the survey, local households selected in the nationwide sample receive a letter from Census Bureau Director Louis Kincannon. Some participants are interviewed by telephone and others interviewed in person. The field representatives carry official identification cards.

     Sponsored by the BLS and the Census Bureau, the CPS will be conducted during the week of Nov. 13, 2005, when nearly 2,000 Census Bureau field representatives will interview about 78,000 households.

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