Skip to Main Content Saint Mary's Libraries

Websites

American FactFinder from census.gov
Find popular facts (population, income, etc.) and frequently requested data about your community.

Consumer Expenditure Survey from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
The Consumer Expenditure Survey (CE) program consists of two surveys, the Quarterly Interview Survey and the Diary Survey, that provide information on the buying habits of American consumers, including data on their expenditures, income, and consumer unit (families and single consumers) characteristics. The survey data are collected for the Bureau of Labor Statistics by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Census.gov
"The Census Bureau's mission is to serve as the leading source of quality data about the nation's people and economy. We honor privacy, protect confidentiality, share our expertise globally, and conduct our work openly.  We are guided on this mission by scientific objectivity, our strong and capable workforce, our devotion to research-based innovation, and our abiding commitment to our customers."

Census.gov Business and Industry

Industry Snapshots from census.gov

2012 Statistical Abstract from census.gov
The Statistical Abstract of the United States, published since 1878, is the authoritative and comprehensive summary of statistics on the social, political, and economic organization of the United States.

Current Industrial Reports from census

Statistics for Specific Industries
A great deal of data about specific industries is collected by federal government agencies. This information can be valuable when developing your business plan, refining your business strategy and managing your business over time.

Population Projections
From the Census Bureau, "Population projections are estimates of the population for future dates. They are typically based on an estimated population consistent with the most recent decennial census and are produced using the cohort-component method. Projections illustrate possible courses of population change based on assumptions about future births, deaths, net international migration, and domestic migration."

Regional Economic Accounts from the Bureau of Economic Analysis

State Data Center of Iowa
"The State Data Center of Iowa is your source for population, housing, business and government statistics about Iowa, including data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Iowa state agencies, and other state and federal sources."

Minnesota State Demographics Center
"The Minnesota State Demographic Center (SDC), part of the Minnesota Department of Administration, is the main provider of demographic data and analysis for the state of Minnesota. The SDC assists policymakers, state and local governments, businesses, nonprofits, the media, and all Minnesotans locate and understand the demographic data they need to make smart decisions."

Government Information Directory
Organized and maintained by the UCLA School of Management

Annual Reports
Free annual industry reports

Report Linker
Provides easy access to market research reports and industry statistics

NAICS
"The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is the standard used by Federal statistical agencies in classifying business establishments for the purpose of collecting, analyzing, and publishing statistical data related to the U.S. business economy."

Illinois Demographics
Department of Commerce and Opportunity

United States Small Business Association

Business USA

Bureau of Labor Statistics
"The Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor is the principal Federal agency responsible for measuring labor market activity, working conditions, and price changes in the economy. Its mission is to collect, analyze, and disseminate essential economic information to support public and private decision-making. As an independent statistical agency, BLS serves its diverse user communities by providing products and services that are objective, timely, accurate, and relevant."