Biz Researchers Heart Census Bureau

Here at the Hill Library, we love the Census Bureau. It’s simply the best source to start with when conducting just about any kind of business research. Plus, it’s free. The Census Bureau counts almost every person in the U.S. and keeps statistics on virtually every industry.

Sometimes, though, when we send researchers to the Economic Census site for industry research, they come back all crestfallen because that actual data comes from 2002.

“2002,” they say incredulously, “that’s, like, totally ancient.”

Well, here’s a day-brightener for those gloomy searchers. The Census Bureau puts out much more current research on specific industry sectors, at sites like this one for the Service Industry.

Currently, one can find 2006 reports on these service industries:

• Information Industry (any NAICS code starting with “51…”)
• Health Care Industry (NAICS code starting “62…”)
• Securities and Investment Industries (NAICS “52…”)
  

…along with some 2007 quarterly updates, more 2006 service industry reports coming soon, and lots of 2005 reports now available.

If you’re instead looking for retail sector industry statistics (including food and accommodations), check out:
Annual Retail Trade Survey, which includes 2005 data.

Or if you’re researching the manufacturing sector, try:
Manufacturing Current Industrial Reports, with many 2006 reports along with selected 2007 quarterly updates.  

The Census Bureau is a powerful industry research resource, if you know where to look. Start with these sites – we think you’ll heart them.

p.s. You can find these links along with more free industry research sites on the BizToolkit, by selecting Industry Research from the drop-down menu.