Most people are not aware that the U.S. government conducts an economic census in addition to the more commonly-known population census. The economic census provides a detailed portrait of the nation's economy once every 5 years from the national to the local level. Unlike the population census, the economic census is mandated by law and requires establishments to respond. There are penalties for firms that fail to report.
The most current census, the 2012 economic census, measures activity during calendar year 2012. Census forms were mailed to more than 4 million companies in November 2012, with a due date of February 12, 2013. There were over 500 versions of the census form, each customized to particular industries. Some very small companies did not receive a census form.
Results from the 2012 census are just now being released on the Internet. Therefore, the 2007 economic census is the most complete set available. The remainder of the 2012 data and reports will be available by 2016.
For more information on the economic census, visit the Guides to the 1997, 2002 and 2007 Economic Census produced by the U.S. Census Bureau.
