Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question: What are "household" and "establishment" data, and how do they differ?

Answer: "Household" data, as from the Current Population Survey (CPS), pertain to individuals and relate to where they reside. "Establishment" data, such as those from the Current Employment Statistics (CES), a survey of businesses, pertain to jobs (persons on a payroll) and where those jobs are located. The data developed through the Local Area Unemployment (LAUS) program are based on the household concept of the CPS. For information on these surveys and how they differ, see Household vs. Establishment Series.