![US Census Bureau News Release](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090507183728im_/http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/img/commerce.gif)
THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 2006
- ATLANTA REGIONAL OFFICE
- U.S. CENSUS BUREAU
- Mr. George Grandy Jr., Director
- 101 Marietta St., NW, Ste 3200
- Atlanta, GA 30303-2700
- Telephone: 404-730-3832
- CB06-R-37
Census
Bureau Updating Information on
Our Nation’s Spending Habits
In April 2006, information about how much Americans spend for health care, groceries, clothing, transportation, housing and other items will be collected by U.S. Census Bureau field representatives from a sample of households across the country.
The Consumer Expenditure (CE) Survey program consists of two separate surveys:
- The CE Interview Survey — About 7,000 households will be interviewed once every three months to obtain data on relatively large expenditures and also for those that occur on a regular basis (such as rent and utilities).
- The CE Diary Survey — Over the year, another 7,000 households will keep two consecutive one-week diaries of all purchases — including small, frequently purchased items that are normally difficult for respondents to recall later (such as toothpaste, bread or a hamburger from a fast-food restaurant).
“Findings from this survey help business and community leaders make sound decisions,” said George Grandy Jr., director of the Census Bureau’s Atlanta Regional Office. “More specifically, the survey gives business owners the information they need to help respond better to consumer needs, and it is a great help to government officials planning public services.”
Before the CE surveys begin, households receive a letter from Census Bureau Director Louis Kincannon informing them of their selection. Census Bureau field representatives conducting the interviews carry official photo identification badges. The law ensures survey respondents’ personal information and answers are kept confidential.
Below is an example of CE data results:
Out-of-Pocket Health Care Expenditures: 2003-2004
Area |
Average
annual amount spent on health care |
Percentage
of total expenditures |
---|---|---|
United States |
$2,496 |
5.9 |
Northeast |
$2,248 |
5.1 |
Pittsburgh |
2,527 |
6.2 |
Boston |
2,274 |
4.9 |
New York |
2,224 |
4.3 |
Philadelphia |
2,126 |
4.8 |
South |
$2,453 |
6.4 |
Dallas-Fort Worth |
3,063 |
6.1 |
Houston |
2,642 |
5.5 |
Washington, D.C. |
2,419 |
4.5 |
Tampa |
2,241 |
6.2 |
Baltimore |
2,077 |
5.5 |
Miami |
1,924 |
4.8 |
Atlanta |
1,760 |
4.7 |
Midwest |
$2,724 |
6.5 |
Minneapolis-St. Paul |
2,928 |
5.2 |
St. Louis |
2,837 |
5.9 |
Kansas City, Mo.-Kan. |
2,813 |
6.1 |
Chicago |
2,704 |
5.3 |
Milwaukee |
2,643 |
6.3 |
Cincinnati |
2,341 |
5.8 |
Cleveland |
2,161 |
5.8 |
Detroit |
2,005 |
4.3 |
West |
$2,543 |
5.4 |
Seattle |
2,992 |
5.7 |
Portland, Ore. |
2,972 |
6.2 |
Anchorage |
2,858 |
5.3 |
San Francisco |
2,775 |
4.9 |
Honolulu |
2,668 |
5.5 |
Denver |
2,647 |
5.4 |
Phoenix |
2,609 |
5.6 |
San Diego |
2,605 |
4.8 |
Los Angeles |
2,309 |
4.4 |