GUIDE TO STATE AND LOCAL WORKFORCE DATA: FOR ANALYSIS AND INFORMED DECISION 

U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Office of Workforce Inves

There is a wealth of state and local employment and economic data – most of it free – from government and private sector sourinformation by topic to make it easier to find and use. All of the text in blue are Internet links that you can click on to go directly 

described. We have shown published data, but keep in mind that many government agencies have additional data avaiyou don't find what you need, it’s almost always worthwhile to use the contact info (in column 4) to inquire about relev

 The links in the first column will take you directly to the principal source, in most cases the specific source for state and l

organization and the abbreviation used for the source are shown after the title. 

 Coverage: These two columns summarize the geographical level of detail available from the source. If the number of lo

only the largest localities are included. 

 Frequently-asked questions, contact info, technical details, etc. These links will show you FAQ’s, the actual questi

instrument, additional technical information, and contact information should you have further questions. 

 Other selected publications: This column highlights some important additional publications and features which you m Notes: The last column provides miscellaneous useful information about the data source, including a brief explanation o

after data collection the information is issued, and when the data series began. 

 Where appropriate, notes are also shown in the section heading rows, which are marked in yellow. If Internet links are i

in boldface type.

 The section headings are listed in a manner that we believe will be more helpful than alphabetical order: first general so

blocks of workforce statistics such as employment/unemployment and compensation/benefits (with inflation sources listethen a number of categories such as labor-management and safety and health statistics which will probably be of interes

sources relevant to specific industries, occupations and other worker-specific subjects (such as age, race and ethnicity, 

miscellaneous economic and population topics. 

General Tips

State and local data users desire comprehensive information that is as current and geographically detailed as possible. Since thcompromises are necessary. It can be useful to draw information from more than one source, which can help minimize weaknespecificity. The individual listings below provide more detail on geographic detail and publication lags, but here are the best souprioritize one or the other factor. Most geographically detailed sources: Censuses (both the population census done every 10 years and the economic censusentire population that is being surveyed (economic censuses only survey specific industries). Similarly, the Quarterly Census of (QCEW) includes all employees covered by unemployment insurance. However, most data sources only survey a sample of the all are random samples, the ideal type). In general, larger sample sizes permit greater geographic detail. The most geographicmarket information other than censuses are the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) and the Bureau of Labor Employment Statistics (CES), Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS), and Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) proMost up-to-date sources: Except for the CES and LAUS (which publish data monthly with about a one to two month lag), infogeographically detailed sources is published with anywhere from 6 months to 2 or more years delay. The most current informatBLS products from the Current Population Survey (CPS), such as unemployment rates (and LAUS, which combines data from binformation is published only a few weeks after the survey. Similarly, the private sector Help Wanted Online is published with on

Page 1 of 29 
To keep this guide manageable it primarily includes sources of labor market data, with a few exceptions. Data that measure infl

Price Index) are included because it is almost always desirable to adjust monetary trends (e.g., earnings) for inflation to obtain a Commerce Department’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) state and local data are included because their statistics on persoearned income. Population data are included because employment and training programs (and many other Federal programs) decisions in part on population data. The Census Bureau uses a variety of online tools that can be used to find, tabulate, organize, graph and/or map information. That Data Access Tools. Reference contacts for specific sources are listed in the table below, but see Contact BLS or Census Bu

general lists. The Census Bureau can also conduct special surveys at the request of a governmental unit, except during the perthe decennial census, as part of its Special Census Program. 

Key Definitions 

General: The BLS Glossary is an excellent source for employment-related terms, which is complemented by the more general Geographical terms: A metropolitan area (of which there are three types) is made up of one or more counties and consists of substantial population nucleus, together with adjacent communities having a high degree of economic and social integration with statistical area (MSA) must have at least one urbanized area of 50,000 or more inhabitants, and micropolitan statistical areas inpopulation. Some MSAs have subdivisions called metropolitan divisions. Areas outside of MSAs are called non-metropolitan apopulation size, there is much less data available for them (a good source is the American Community Survey shown in the first information and definitions of less-frequently used terms, see the Census Bureau’s Geographic Terms and Definitions and GeoNote: to protect survey respondents’ confidentiality, some data for less populous states or localities are not published. Survey terms: Information is collected directly from the labor force through what are referred to as household or demographpopulation census is the oldest household survey, and the CPS is the oldest regular monthly survey). Note that household survBureau’s American Community Survey usually cover the civilian non-institutional population and thus exclude the homeless, milprisons and mental health facilities. Information is collected from employers through what are referred to as establishment surestablishment survey). An establishment is defined by BLS as “an economic unit which produces goods or services, such as a generally at a single location and engaged predominantly in one type of activity.” Thus a single business can be comprised of thmore information, see the Census Bureau’s Guidance on Differences in Employment and Unemployment Estimates from DiffereSheet on differences among different employment sources. Workforce termsEmployment: Employment refers to the number of individuals at work. Employees mean only wage and salary workers, and labor force means individuals who are either working or not working but actively looking for work (the unemployed); BLS classifpopulation as out of the labor force. Note that the employment counts differ between establishment and household surveys (defestablishment surveys count the number of jobs, while household surveys count the number of workers. I.e., individuals who hotwice in an establishment survey (once for each job), but only be counted once in a household survey. Compensation: Compensation means all monetary and in-kind benefits (including health insurance, sick leave, etc.) that a woall monetary compensation. Wages are monetary compensation paid by an employer (i.e., excluding self-employment earningssuch as bonuses. Benefits are non-monetary forms of compensation. Industry and Occupation: For more information, see the Census Bureau’s Frequently Asked Questions on Industries and Occand occupation statistics branch. 

Page 2 of 29 
Tips on Using Workforce Statistics 

If you are unfamiliar with a particular source, we recommend that you follow these steps. 

1. Before using the data, read the background material, especially the overview and frequently asked questions (F

for a specific type of information, read a reference that explains the differences among sources to ensure that you choos

have usually listed such references in the first row of a section, to minimize repetition). It’s usually also worthwhile to rea

and technical or methodological references. 

2. Pay particular attention to how such critical terms as employment and compensation are defined, especially the 

answering the questions (employers or employees). E.g., many government programs (but only some workforce statisti

every person served during an entire year. In contrast, most employment survey counts reflect an average at a specific 

week). Therefore, it may be inappropriate to use these two sets of information to calculate the percentage of the unemp

problem caused by the fact that programs often serve those who are out of work but not technically classified as unemp

3. Scan the complete list of tables, and identify all those pertinent to your inquiry. Then examine the relevant full tab

which best suit your needs. Table titles may not adequately capture the information in the table, and grabbing the first dthe most relevant data often causes mistakes and misinterpretations that can be avoided. If in doubt, use the appropriat

analyst. 

The Census Bureau has a Web site called Using Data Effectively which has a variety of tips for different users. 

CONTENTS 

Topic Page

General sources (first ACS, then BLS sites, then other Census Bureau sites) 4Job vacancy data and employment projections 6Unemployment and employment 7Employment only 9Employment and compensation 9Compensation only 12Benefits 13Inflation and consumer expenditures 14Educational attainment, achievement, credentials, and skills 15Labor-management (including union data) 17Poverty and low income 18Productivity 19Safety and health 19Industry-specific sources 20Occupation and other worker-specific sources (including youth and older workers, 

the disabled, green jobs, Native Americans, race and ethnicity, scientific and engineering occupations, the self-employed, veterans, women, etc.) 

23

Economic (miscellaneous) 27Population 29Key sources which don't usually provide state and local data 29

Page 3 of 29 
State and local area 

data source 

States 

covered 

Localities 

covered 

Frequently-asked 

questions, contact info, 

technical details, etc. 

Other selected 

publications and 

features 

General sources Two of the most useful general links are BLS Topics A-Z and Census Bureau Topics A-Z (neither are restric

data). 

American Community Survey

(Census Bureau ACS) 

To get local data, use the American FactFinder (note 

that single-year estimates are sometimes the second choice) 

all 

all localities above 20,000 population now; all below 20,000 as well after fall/winter 2010 

 overview of 1, 3, and 5 

year estimates

 ACS Handbooks for 

various types of users (general, state, business, researchers, etc.)  ACS questionnaires

 ACS design and

methodology

 Glossary of terms

 ACS FAQ’s

 ACS online tutorial

 contact ACS

 The tool used to obtain 

ACS data — American FactFinder — will be revised in January 2011. See revised American 

FactFinder info for a 

brochure, tutorials, and an online tour.  ACS Briefs (including 

many on work-related topics (work and family, 

working hours, etc.)  purchasing customized 

tabulations from ACS

ACS data, which first covemost comprehensive singstatistics (the series begalocality, it’s possible to obtpage narrative, and a map annual number) are publisend of the reference year. population are based on a areas between 20,000 to 6years of data, and for smayear period. Whenever poreference period, which Otherwise, the time periand 2009 data are compathirds of the data will over2006-8 vs. 2007-9). Singlepopulation) are sufficient tapproximately 800 countiemicropolitan statistical areThe 2009 1-year estimateand the 2007-2009 3-year estimates are expected in be the first 5-year estimate

State Labor Market Information Offices all varies by state 

LMI Training Institute 

Directory (includes links and 

contact information) 

ETA’s CareerOneStop Westate labor market informawealth of information on wemployment programs. 

GENERAL BLS SOURCES BLS Geographic Guide and BLS Statistics by Geography

all 

selected localities — varies by topic 

The BLS Geographic Guidgeographic areas (from ladivisions, states, metropotowns for the following topunemployment; 2) pay and consumer spending; 4) ecprojections; 5) workplace Statistics by Geography is than by topic, and comple

BLS Regional Offices all varies by region 

BLS has 8 regional informsites has a wealth of workof information and level of includes employment, infla

Page 4 of 29 
State and local area 

data source 

States 

covered 

Localities 

covered 

Frequently-asked 

questions, contact info, 

technical details, etc. 

Other selected 

publications and 

features 

Economy at a Glance (BLS) all MSAs 

BLS supplies a variety of wregions, states and metroseparately, and under eacassembles this data from programs. The tables covemajor industry), unemploy

GENERAL CENSUS BUREAU SOURCES (except ACS above) State and

Metropolitan Area 

Data Book (2010, 

Census Bureau) 

all 

MSAs and counties within MSAs 

 map of MSAs and 

micropolitan areas

 map of combined 

statistical areas

 map of New England 

city and town areas

 State and Metropolitan 

Area Data Book update site

 guide to individual state 

statistical abstracts

The Census Bureau descAbstract for states and locirregular basis, with 7 editedition has workforce data several tables presenting MSAs, and 2 tables covertable for micropolitan areaAlthough the data are conis possible to obtain much sources in this Guide. The electronic updates, but nemore current data. 

County and City Data Book (2007, 

Census Bureau) 

all 

counties and cities with 25,000 or more people 

 geographic definitions are in Appendix C  county maps by state are in Appendix D 

 entire Data Book

(2007)  County and City Data 

Book update site

The Census Bureau descsupplement to the Statistictimes since 1944, previouU.S. states, counties, and or more. It contains additioa population of 100,000 oset of state maps showing more population, and metemployment data are for 2have 1 table each for privaMore recent and comprehCounties (described more 

employment table, but themiscellaneous localities. 

Page 5 of 29 
State and local area 

data source 

States 

covered 

Localities 

covered o, 

Other selected 

publications and 

features 

Frequently-asked 

questions, contact inf

technical details, etc. 

USA Counties

(Census Bureau) all all counties 

 overview of “USA 

Counties”

This Census Bureau site psearches, and includes mvarious sources for the U.include all of the data pubeditions of the State and Mthe County and City Data covered include age, agricpermits, business patterns

elections, employment, ghousing, income, labor fo

poverty, retail trade, sociastatistics, water use, and wBureau updates the data e

Census State and

County Quick Facts

(Census Bureau) 

all 

counties and localities with more than 25,000 people 

 FAQ’s about Quick 

Facts

 recency of the data by 

topic

 state facts for students This Census Bureau Web 

but includes demographicincome, poverty, housing, and county data are much This source is extremely eto date as other sources. 

County Business Patterns (Census 

Bureau CBP) 

all counties and zip codes 

 CBP overview

 CBP FAQ’s

 definitions of CBP 

terms

 technical info on CBP

 pre-1998 historical data County Business Patterns 

complete and consistent cestablishments, with indusupdates the data annually the reference period, and data from 1998 (the series CBP obtains data from cerecords for all establishmesame industries are often include the number of emtotal payroll. 

Census Atlas of the United States

(Census Bureau) 

all varies by topic 

 glossary of terms  “Work” chapter Published in 2007, the Ce

contains almost 800 mapsprior to 2000 have been ufigures, providing context many of the topics presenchapter on work. A majoridata, but data also include cities and metropolitan arereservations. 

Congressional Joint Economic Committee 

all none 

Click on the “In the Statesdata on employment, unehealth insurance coverage

Job vacancy data and employment projections 

Page 6 of 29 
State and local area 

data source 

States 

covered 

Localities 

covered o, 

Frequently-asked 

questions, contact inf

technical details, etc. 

Other selected 

publications and 

features 

Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (BLS 

JOLTS) 

4 regions 

only none 

 JOLTS overview

 JOLTS FAQ’s

 JOLTS general 

questionnaire (see the 

JOLTS publications link at right for specialized questionnaires)  contact JOLTS

 latest JOLTS news 

release

 create customized 

JOLTS tables

 miscellaneous JOLTS 

publications

We have included this sougovernment survey that trbecause of its small sampbroad geographic regions West). BLS provides data but not by occupation (and issues the data monthly, a end of reference period. T2000. 

Help Wanted OnLine (The 

Conference Board, HWOL) 

all 52 MSAs 

 HWOL technical info

 contact HWOL (see 

bottom of screen) 

 historical HWOL data This job openings series is 

organization called the Cothe data from a wide varienewspaper online ads. Dathe beginning of the montThe series began in May 2provides data by occupatioccupational groups at the slightly more than 20 at th

Employment projections

(BLS/ETA) 

all selected — varies by state 

 Evaluating the 1996-

2006 [national] employment projections

BLS produces national em

2 years and covering a 10(first issued in the mid-197among the states, BLS, ansite (link shown at the far by occupation, state, numover a decade, and the avopenings. In addition to thcomprehensive listing oprojections, with an accthe availability of local pevery two years the states publish) 1) statewide and and 2) statewide 2-year sh2010, virtually all the stateindustry and occupational three-fourths of the states occupational projections folocalities in the state). Sligpublished short-term stateprojections — of these, rooccupational projections, short-term industry projec

Unemployment and employment 

Page 7 of 29 
State and local area 

data source 

States 

covered 

Localities 

covered 

sked 

nfo, 

Frequently-a

questions, co ta

technical details, etc. 

n ct i

Other selected 

publications and 

features 

Local Area Unemployment Statistics program

(BLS LAUS) 

all 7,300 localities 

 LAUS FAQ’s

 LAUS technical 

information

 BLS Handbook of 

Methods, Chapter 4, Measurement of 

Unemployment in States and Local Areas

 contact LAUS

 searchable LAUS 

database

 create customized 

maps

 schedule of news 

releases

This Federal-State cooperproduces monthly employfor more than 7,000 areasmicropolitan statistical arethan 25,000 people (for NState data date back to 19(for only a few localities) baverages reflect employmweek (the week including Regional and State Emplorelease is generally issued month following the refereEmployment and Unemploissued 12 days later (on thFriday of the following moreleased with the metropofrom both the state and lorows. 

State data (BLS 

LAUS) all none 

 historical high and low 

unemployment rates

 state unemployment 

rankings

 other tables and maps

(including state annual averages since 2000) 

Issued by BLS, usually on showing monthly data for are available in February o

Metropolitan data

(BLS LAUS) none 372 

 MSA unemployment 

rankings (372) 

 map showing MSA 

unemployment (372) 

 other tables and maps

(including county and other local data) 

Issued by BLS, usually on month, showing monthly d

Geographic Profile of Employment and Unemployment

(BLS GPS) 

all 50 MSAs and 17 central cities 

 GP FAQ’s

 GP technical info

 contact GP

 state and local detailed 

tables (some data go back 

as far as 1999) 

This BLS site presents anPopulation Survey (CPS) by selected demographic that CPS MSA and city esestimates produced for the LAUS program (the differe

Discouraged worker and long-term unemployment rates

(BLS) 

all none 

 how BLS measures 

unemployment (see “Is 

there only one official definition of unemployment?”)  contact LAUS

Due to small sample sizes data for a 1-year period (tmonthly). BLS updates theaverage basis (i.e., the preavailable since 2005. 

Page 8 of 29 
State and local area 

data source 

States 

covered 

Localities 

covered 

Frequently-asked 

questions, contact info, 

technical details, etc. 

Other selected 

publications and 

features 

Mass Layoff Statistics (BLS MLS) all selected 

 FAQ’s for Mass Layoffs

 Employer survey 

questions (in the middle of 

the article)  BLS Handbook of 

Methods, Chapter 6, Mass 

Layoff Statistics Program

 contact MLS

 latest monthly mass 

layoffs for all 50 states

 latest quarterly mass 

layoffs with demographic characteristics for all 50 states

 create customized 

quarterly state tables by industry or demographic characteristic

 Extended Mass Layoffs 

in 2008 (annual report) 

This BLS survey covers eunemployment insurance week period. The data serdata on a monthly (based quarterly (UI records plus basis. BLS reports the moquarterly data in the 2nd m

BLS issues the annual daIn the quarterly news releaMSAs. In the annual releaMSAs with the most layoffbut unpublished. BLS has Current Population Survey 

for 9 geographic regions. 

Employment only Note: the sources below include only data on employment, and do not include information on working hours or comBusiness Employment Dynamics (BLS 

BED) 

all 

unavailable (but see note at right) 

 BED FAQ’s

 contact BED

 BED data by state

 customized data tables 

and charts for states from 

1992 forward (no industry detail available)  Colorado’s use of BED

(a good example of how this data can be used) 

Produced by BLS from the and Wages (QCEW, formData are provided on a qumonths after the end of a gains and losses (for both private sector establishmeof employment on nonfarm employment changes are each quarter. Establishmeperiod including the 12th owill produce MSA and cou

Business size and

concentration

(Census Bureau) 

all 

MSAs, micropolitan areas, and counties 

 SUSB overview and 

more info about SUSB

 SUSB methodology

 definitions of terms

 contact SUSB (see 

lower right corner of the screen) 

 data for the U.S. and

each state

 MSA data in 

alphabetical order, halfway 

down the screen (see note at right)  county data by state

 historical data by 

enterprise size (state data 

from 1988, MSA data from 1997, and county data since 2007)  Small Business 

Administration Office of Advocacy state and local firm size data (about 

halfway down the screen, includes micropolitan data from 2004) 

The Census Bureau’s Staprogram shows the distribemployment and total paybusiness enterprise in 8 c5-9, etc.). Although firm anavailable from several othtables), this series (which of annual, complete, and cU.S. businesses. The data reference period. Unfortunby MSA, so it is necessary advance. Historical data anot for all the years since left) are available in text fi

Employment and compensation See also the end of the Guide for Bureau of Economic Analysis data on personal income, compensation and emplo

Page 9 of 29 
State and local area 

data source 

States 

covered 

Localities 

covered 

Frequently-asked 

questions, contact info, 

technical details, etc. 

Other selected 

publications and 

features 

Wages by Area

(BLS) all 

MSAs and selected nonMSAs 

This is an extremely usefucompensation data are av

County Employment and Wages (BLS 

QCEW) 

all 

300+ large counties with 75,000 employees (see info on MSAs at right) 

 QCEW homepage

 QCEW overview

 QCEW FAQ’s

 BLS Handbook of 

Methods, Chapter 5, Employment and Wages 

Covered by Unemployment Insurance

 contact QCEW

 customized data tables 

and charts for counties 

from 2001 forward showing employment plus annual and weekly wage by detailed industry and by private or government employees (at all 3 levels of government)  state and county 

mapping and charting tool

 QCEW publications

(including annual averages)  Issues in Labor 

Statistics series using QCEW data

BLS produces this series Employment and Wages (202) program. Data are shissued about 6-7 months aissues annual data about calendar year. Published taverage weekly wages. Tand salary civilian employQCEW program represenwho worked during, or recincluding the 12th of the mcompensation paid during when during that quarter tfull quarterly industry deta(including MSAs) in ASCII 

inexperienced user will prothe data through this meth

Employment, Hours and Earnings (BLS 

CES) 

all over 400 MSAs 

 CES FAQ’s

 questionnaire forms

 technical info on CES 

data

 BLS Handbook of 

Methods, Chapter 2, Employment, Hours, and 

Earnings from the Establishment Survey

 contact CES and State 

Employment Security Administrations

 state hourly earnings 

and weekly hours by major industry (latest annual 

data)  latest state and MSA 

hourly and weekly earnings plus weekly hours

 customized state and 

MSA reports (including 

historical data beginning with 2000) 

In March 2010 BLS began for all employees (previouproduction and nonsupervfrom 2006 forward. CES demployment data pertain tpayrolls who receive pay fincludes the 12th of the mrequires the states to pubsectors for which the samMSA-specific data for all pthese data are frequently check the most current rereleases and publicationsits “establishment survey,” sample (randomly selectenonfarm establishments wthe total nonfarm populatioCES data began in 1915, produce national estimatecomponent of the LAUS sinformation on the publica

Page 10 of 29 
State and local area 

data source 

States 

covered 

Localities 

covered o, 

Frequently-asked 

questions, contact inf

technical details, etc. 

Other selected 

publications and 

features 

Occupational Employment Statistics (BLS OES) 

all 

375 MSAs, 34 metro divisions, and 170+ nonmetro areas 

 OES homepage

 OES FAQ’s

 OES overview

 OES questionnaires

 list of areas covered, 

by state

 BLS Handbook of 

Methods, Chapter 3, OES

 technical info on OES

 contact OES

 most recent local data 

in alphabetical order by locality

 state data by 

occupation and industry

 MSA and non-MSA 

data by occupation and

industry

 MSA and non-MSA 

data by county or town

 selected OES charts 

and maps

 historical OES data 

(starting in 1999) 

The BLS OES program is geographically-detailed sooccupations (and the princprojections). The OES colestablishments for about 8occupation, data are showmean annual and hourly w10th, 25th, 50th (median), 

are issued about a year afthe survey design incorpoperiod, great care must be historical analyses (to avo

year can be chose for histthe OES in 1971, and data OES data before 1997 do nonmetropolitan areas. 

Page 11 of 29 
State and local area 

data source 

States 

covered 

Localities 

covered o, 

Frequently-asked 

questions, contact inf

technical details, etc. 

Other selected 

publications and 

features 

Longitudinal EmployerHousehold Dynamics (Census 

Bureau LEHD) – includes Local 

Employment Dynamics (LED) 

47 

MSAs, counties and Workforce Investment Act program areas 

 LED overview and

product list

 LEHD FAQ’s

 online courses for LED 

Web site, QWI Online, Industry Focus and OnTheMap (each 10-15 

minutes long)  LED Webinars (ETA) 

 definition of QWI 

variables

 detailed definitions of 

LEHD terms

 technical info on LEHD 

data and QWI

 LEHD technical user 

guides

 contact LEHD

 OnTheMap info and

help site

 getting started with 

OnTheMap

 OnTheMap FAQ’s

 OnTheMap definitions for mapping terms and 

report terms

 QWI online data for 47 

states and localities

 customize industry 

rankings for different variables

 examples of how LEHD 

data have been used

The Census Bureau’s LonDynamics (LEHD) program Local Employment Dynamemployee and employer resources — administrative and censuses. The Censuand Quarterly Census of Eestablishment records from LED program. The Censuto integrate demographic of residence, sex, birth daeducation) with informatio(place of work, industry, eprincipal product is its Quawhich include employmenand worker turnover data industry, gender, and age data directly by using the 9 months after the end of data series date back to 1earnings (monthly) is unusperiods are hourly, weekly cover either Federal emplsystem. OnTheMap is a Web-baseuses LEHD data to show wlive. It also provides compindustry distributions, and most states, 7 years worth users to easily select geogthan having to research a

Employment and

earnings for workers 

covered by Social Security (Social 

Security Administration) 

all counties 

 contact info for SSA 

employment data

 state and county 

employment and earnings

(county data are in table 3) 

The U.S. Social Security Aannual data for workers coMedicare, based on compissued more than 2 years period (usually in August)2000 and after. 

Compensation only Note: the sources below supply data on compensation only, and do not include employment data. 

Page 12 of 29 
State and local area 

data source 

States 

covered 

Localities 

covered 

sked 

o, 

Other selected 

publications and 

features 

Frequently-a

questions, contact inf

technical details, etc. 

National Compensation Survey of Wages

(BLS NCS-W) 

none about 80 MSAs 

 NCS overview

 NCS FAQ’s

 NCS data collection 

methods and methodology

 BLS Handbook of 

Methods, Chapter 8, National Compensation 

Measures

 contact NCS-W

The BLS National Compecovers 800+ occupations, (often within the same yea80 metropolitan areas. Thand weekly hours for such government employees; ovs. non-union; goods- vs. of employees per establispercentiles; and other varextremely detailed. The linmost recent reports. The s(1-screen data search) is cumbersome feature (muldata from December 2006 

National Compensation Survey of Wagesrelative pay by major MSA (BLS) 

none about 80 MSAs 

 relative pay FAQ’s

 relative pay contact info

 relative pay for large 

MSAs by major occupational group

The BLS National Compeoccupations, and publisheyear after the reference peareas. Note that these datadjusted for MSA differencwell as establishment and 

Employment Cost Trends (BLS ECT) none 15 MSAs 

 ECT FAQ’s

 contact ECT

 Employment Cost 

Index for 15 major MSAs

(last table)  historical compensation 

index data for 15 major MSAs

 Employer Costs for 

Employee Compensation for 15 major MSAs

(explanation of new series + 2009 data)  Employer Costs for 

Employee Compensation for MSAs (2010 data, last table)

BLS reports quarterly data plus benefits) for 15 MSAsindex (ECI) and the actuaare only issued once a yeEmployee Compensation BLS reports, starting with 2010 (however, some 200the cell immediately to the data will be included in the published in June 2011. 

Benefits 

State and local data pertain to all health insurance coverage, and do not distinguish between employer-procoverage (although the ACS does specifically ask about employer coverage). Note: the BLS Employee Benestate or local data, but does issue data for 9 Census Bureau regions (but see the row directly above for BLS includes but does not provide separate data on benefits). 

Page 13 of 29 
State and local area 

data source 

States 

covered 

Localities 

covered 

Other selected 

publications and 

features 

Frequently-asked 

questions, contact info, 

technical details, etc. 

Health insurance from the ACS (Census Bureau) 

all 

all areas with populations over 65,000 now; over 20,000 in 2011; and all areas by 2013 

 ACS health insurance 

definitions

 comparison of health 

insurance info from different Census Bureau sources evaluation of health insurance in the ACS

 ACS health insurance 

methodology (including 

survey questions)  Contact Census 

Bureau (not specific to 

ACS) 

The ACS, described in motable, first added health insurvey. Estimates for area20,000-65,000 will be relepopulations below 20,000 respondents are asked sp“insurance through a currealthough this data are not To obtain data, click on thyear estimate option, then menu on the right. You cavariables, or perform a sedetailed category closest tcoverage. 

Health insurance

(Census Bureau, Small Area Health Insurance Estimates program) 

all all counties 

 overview of SAHIE

 SAHIE methodology

 contact SAHIE

 state and county 

customized tables and maps

Data are available for seleare issued about 2.5 years Census Bureau's Small A(SAHIE) program provides coverage by age, sex, raccategories at the state levcategories at the county le

Health insurance from the CPS

(Census Bureau) 

all none 

 CPS health insurance 

definitions

 technical info on CPS 

health insurance data

(including survey questions)  Contact Census 

Bureau (not specific to 

CPS) 

 health insurance 

coverage by state, by provider of coverage

These data come from the social and economic suppSurvey (CPS), and are relreference year. State data age groups (under 18, undrow of this section for diffehealth insurance data. 

Inflation and consumer expenditures 

When comparing monetary changes over time, it is usually advisable to adjust the amounts for inflation. Fostatistics, the most common means of adjusting for inflation are the BLS Consumer Price Index or EmploymEconomic Analysis’ price deflators (BEA issues no state or local price deflators, but BEA working papers hsubject). The BLS Producer Price Index is less commonly used, and does not include state or local data. 

Consumer Price Index (BLS CPI) 

none 

(regional 

available) 

almost 30 MSAs 

 CPI overview

 CPI FAQ’s

 BLS Handbook of 

Methods, Chapter 17, CPI

 contact CPI staff

 CPI news releases 

issued by BLS regional offices

 customized CPI tables 

for regions and MSAs

(data for 2000 on) 

The CPI is the most commnational data dating back changes in prices of all goconsumption by urban houCPI’s — the CPI-U covers is the more widely used. Bmonthly (New York, Chicamonth for another 11 MSA13 MSAs (see the FAQ’s f

Page 14 of 29 
State and local area 

data source 

States 

covered 

Localities 

covered 

sked 

ntact info, 

Frequently-a

questions, co

technical details, etc. 

Other selected 

publications and 

features 

Employment Cost Index (BLS ECI) 

none 

(regional 

available) 

15 MSAs 

 ECI overview

 ECI FAQ’s

 BLS Introduces New 

Employment Cost Indexes for 14 Metropolitan Areas

 BLS Handbook of 

Methods, Chapter 8, National Compensation 

Measures (see especially 

the specific section on the ECI)  ECI methodology

 contact ECI

 latest ECI news release

(local data are in the last table)  historical MSA data

 Experimental Estimates 

of Compensation Levels and Trends for Workers in the 15 Largest Metropolitan Areas, 2004-05

 archive of past ECI 

news releases (since 

1976) 

The ECI is a measure of temployers, which holds coamong occupations and infor 15 MSAs, dating back (plus experimental estima

Consumer Expenditure Survey

(BLS CE) 

none (4 

regions 

only) 

nearly 20 MSAs 

 CE FAQ’s

 CE survey forms

 CE glossary BLS Handbook of 

Methods, Chapter 16, Consumer Expenditures 

and Income

 CE methodology

 CE and ACS compared Contact CE

 consumer expenditure 

data for nearly 20 MSAs

 current MSA tables in 3 

electronic formats (near 

the bottom of the list) 

The Consumer Expenditudata on consumer purchaMSA data are not publisheof the reference period. Cquarterly Interview Survey collected by the Census B1986: 26 MSAs from 1986 2004, 24 MSAs in 2005, aensure that the sample sizMSA data reflect 2 years’ tables are also included in 

Educational attainment, achievement, credentials and skills 

Note that data on employment-specific skills are only available at the national level , from O*NET. See educEducation Statistics for a wealth of data on this subject. The section below is organized by educational attahigh school data (only available below the national level for public schools), and postsecondary data. Credattainment, in the case of dropouts) data are emphasized for the secondary and postsecondary schools sec

Educational attainment (Census 

Bureau) 

all 

all localities above 20,000 population now; all below 20,000 as well after fall/winter 2010 

 see ACS information in first row of this table 

 customized tables on 

educational attainment from ACS

 educational attainment 

by state, 2007 (last 

published Census Bureau report)  Science and 

Engineering Degrees: 2009 (ACS) 

Educational attainment daavailable from the Americamore info in the first row oattainment data are availarate, and median annual eolder, more detailed educaavailable. 

Page 15 of 29 
State and local area 

data source 

States 

covered 

Localities 

covered 

Frequently-asked 

questions, contact info, 

technical details, etc. 

Other selected 

publications and 

features 

State Assessment of Adult Literacy and 

State and County 

Estimates of Low Literacy (U.S. 

Education Department, SAAL) 

all counties 

 NAAL overview , NAAL 

fact sheets, and 

state/county estimates 

overview

 NAAL FAQ’s (note that 

there are 3 categories of FAQ’s — see list at left of screen) and state/county 

estimates FAQ’s

 NAAL glossary

 sample NAAL 

questions

 state/county estimation 

methodology and 

cautionary notes

 contact NAAL (e-mail) 

or contact NAAL staff

(phone) 

 customized state and 

county literacy estimates

 customized 

comparisons of states or counties

The SAAL is conducted in Assessment of Adult Liter

literacy as the simple abilimeasures 3 types of literaquantitative) on a scale frostates that participated in were Kentucky, Maryland, York, and Oklahoma (12 sassessment). However, thused the national study to states and counties. The lonce a decade, and the daabout 2 years after the su

National Assessment of Educational Progress (U.S. 

Education Department, NAEP) 

all 

almost 20 urban school districts 

 NAEP overview

 NAEP FAQ’s

 schedule of NAEP 

assessments since 1969

 sample of NAEP 

questions

 NAEP glossary

 contact NAEP

 NAEP state profiles

(reading, writing, math, and science for grades 4 and 8)  NAEP state 

comparisons (customized 

tables for the same subjects and grades as above)  NAEP state results for 

12th grade reading (11 

states only)  NAEP state results for 

12th grade math (11 

states only)  NAEP urban school 

district profiles (cities with 

250,000+ population — same subjects and grades as the first bullet above) 

NAEP — also referred to astudents in grades 4, 8 anstate results for 12th grade

to the basic subjects, tests 

economics, history, civics

Page 16 of 29 
State and local area 

data source 

States 

covered 

Localities 

covered o, 

Frequently-asked 

questions, contact inf

technical details, etc. 

Other selected 

publications and 

features 

Graduation and dropout rates from public high schools (U.S. Education Department, Common Core of Data — CCD) 

all 100 largest school districts 

 CCD homepage

 CCD overview

 contact CCD staff

 Dropouts, Completers 

and Graduation Rate Reports (state-level only) 

 Characteristics of the 

100 Largest Public Elementary and Secondary School Districts in the United States (see 

the table titled “Number of high school completers, the grades 9-12 dropout rate....”)  customized tables by 

state, CBSA, MSA, county, district or school (for 

various education statistics) 

The state-level graduation halfway down the screen. were for the 2006-7 schoorace and Hispanic origin aFor the 100 largest public 2007-8 (the latest availablwas A-12. 

Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System State Tables

(U.S. Education Department, IPEDS) 

all none 

 IPEDS homepage

 IPEDS overview

 IPEDS glossary

 contact IPEDS and 

IPEDS help desk

 degrees conferred by 

Title IV institutions

 certificates conferred 

by Title IV institutions

This source provides statecertificates conferred by typrofit, public 2-year, etc.), Americans), and Hispanic the length of time required less than 2 years, 2-4 yeamaster’s, and first professthe latest available data wOne difference between throw immediately below is career/technical education former cover all education postsecondary schools o

Career/Technical Education (U.S. 

Education Department, CTE) 

all none 

 CTE statistics overview

 CTE postsecondary 

glossary

 contact CTE staff

 state level 

postsecondary CTE data

(final section)  CTE publications

State-level career/technicasource are only provided fstudents. This source constate-level data on “careeand certificates (under the link immediately at the leftobtain it (less than 1 year, degree, other sub-baccaladegree). The “Field of studinto 13 groups such as hebreakout for sub-baccalaupresented both for the numcredentials as well as the of late 2010, the latest ava

Labormanagement 

Page 17 of 29 
State and local area 

data source 

States 

covered 

Localities 

covered 

Frequently-asked 

questions, contact info, 

technical details, etc. 

Other selected 

publications and 

features 

Union membership

(BLS) all none 

 technical details (from 

news release, usually page 4) 

 annual news release 

with state data and map

(end of release)  customized state tables

(with historical data from 2000 on) 

BLS issues state data annreference year. Data are lmembers and individuals number), and the percentaare from the Current Popustate and local data from tlisting immediately below. 

Union membership

(BNA) all 100 MSAs 

 technical details are at the front of Volume 1  DOL library catalogue

or 202-693-6600 or library@dol.gov for DOL 

library copies 

The Bureau of National Afannually publishes a 2 volEarnings Data Book (2010 microdata to produce mucdata than does BLS (whiclibrary usually has the lateAlmost all of the state and present data for the most earlier. Data include the simmediately above), plus separate groups: all emplogovernment employees, asame level of detail is prov

Work Stoppages

program (BLS WSP) all all 

 WSP FAQ’s

 WSP definitions

 Contact WSP

 annual MSP news 

release 

 monthly work 

stoppages tables 

 customized tables

This BLS series covers stmore workers (not necessissued monthly and annua

 organization name,  beginning and endin number of workers i number of days lost 

Poverty and low income 

Note that data on the relationship between work and poverty are only available below the national level from interested, the links below can also be used to obtain income data from the Census Bureau. Bureau of Ecoincome data are available from BEA Regional Accounts (see the middle of the list), and are more fully desc

Poverty rates from CPS (Census 

Bureau) 

all none 

 main poverty page

 how the Census 

Bureau measures poverty

 poverty FAQ’s

 differences between 

poverty measures from CPS and ACS

 poverty lines (since 

1959)  poverty terms

 contact Census Bureau 

demographic staff (not 

CPS specifically) – see lower right corner of screen 

 historical poverty 

publications (since 1959) 

 number of poor and 

poverty rate by state since 1980

 poverty rates by state

(2007-9) 

Census Bureau tables froCurrent Population Survey 5 additional levels betweepoverty line (125%, 135%available for various group18, 5-17, 65 and older, plu— all families, and femalethe rate (e.g., poverty rateCensus Bureau issued poin 1980, and has publishepoverty data from 1980 on 

Page 18 of 29 
State and local area 

data source 

States 

covered 

Localities 

covered 

sked 

o, 

Frequently-a

questions, contact inf

technical details, etc. 

Other selected 

publications and 

features 

Poverty rates from ACS (Census 

Bureau) 

all 

all localities above 20,000 population now; all below 20,000 as well after fall/winter 2010 

 how poverty is 

calculated in the ACS

 contact Census Bureau 

demographic staff (not 

ACS specifically) – see lower right corner of screen 

 Poverty: 2008 and 

2009

 ACS poverty reports 

since 2004

The ACS is described in mtable (also see the backgrabove this one). ACS inclu(but not on other low incomwhether individuals workeor part-year), and how ma

Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (Census 

Bureau SAIPE) 

all all counties and school districts 

 overview of SAIPE

 FAQ’s about SAIPE SAIPE methodology

 info on the sources of 

data for SAIPE

 contact SAIPE

The SAIPE program produmedian household income well as population and povSAIPE estimates combine other data, and are releasand school districts, particbelow 65,000, the SAIPE accurate sub-national estinearly a year after the refeavailable for 1989, 1993, adata are available for 1995for localities cover median number poor and poverty groups (under 18, and 5-1available at the state leveform of customized tables school district levels. 

Productivity No published state or local productivity data exist. However, estimates might be constructed using the sou

on working hours from BLS. See BLS labor productivity and costs for national data. 

Gross Domestic Product by State and MSA (BEA) 

all 360+ MSAs 

 about BEA’s regional 

economic accounts

 schedule for data 

releases for state and

MSA GDP and personal 

income

 state GDP 

methodology

 Contact BEA regional 

staff (scroll down to 

“Regional Economics” heading) 

 latest GDP by state

 latest GDP by MSA customized tables for 

GDP by state

 customized charts and

graphs for GDP by state

 customized maps for 

GDP by state

 customized tables for 

GDP by MSA

 customized charts and 

graphs for GDP by MSA

 articles on state and

MSA GDP from BEA’s 

Survey of Current Business (with much more 

text than the news releases)  Internet links for 

regional account data

The Commerce Departme(BEA) produces annual grstate and MSA by major inboth advance estimates aAdvance state and MSA G9 months, respectively, afData are available from 19states, and from 2001 for (rather than NAICS) basis For a fee, BEA will produc

that can be used, for examimpact of a mass layoff. 

Safety and health 

Page 19 of 29 
State and local area 

data source 

States 

covered 

Localities 

covered 

-asked 

info, 

Frequently

questions, co

technical details, etc. 

ntact 

Other selected 

publications and 

features 

Employment-related Illnesses, Injuries

and Fatalities (BLS 

IIF) 

all about 25 major urban areas 

 IIF FAQ’s

 IIF survey forms

 IIF contacts in National 

and Regional Offices 

 state data and contact 

info

 fatal occupational 

injuries (end of document) 

 injuries and illnesses 

among state and local government workers (not 

state-specific)  customized tables for 

states and about 25 major urban areas (for some data)

BLS reports annually on thillnesses, and fatalities: 1) rate of injuries and illnessedemographic data which pworker injured, the nature event and source producinthat involve one or more ddata on 28 separate elemworker, the fatal incident, involved. 

Industry-specific sources 

Note: there is a tremendous amount of data available on specific industries from Guide sources other than those in this specific industries. Two types of industry-specific surveys are listed: 1) economic censuses, conducted every 5 years, aannually or more frequently. The censuses issue data anywhere from more than 1 year to 3.5 years after the end of the rcalled censuses, in the case of businesses with less than 5 employees most economic censuses survey only a sample oin 1810, and the current quinquennial (5 year) schedule began in the 1950s. The advantage of these sources is that they data with a great deal of other economic data. To maintain the privacy of respondents, some local data are shown at a mthan is necessary for sample size limitations. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is the governindustries.

Census of Agriculture (Agriculture Dept.) 

all 

counties, Congressional districts, and zip codes 

 agriculture census 

overview

 agriculture census

FAQ’s

 agriculture census 

questionnaires (click on 

the map, because questionnaires are regionspecific)  agriculture census 

contact info

 hired farmworkers and

payroll by state (Table 7, 

2007) Table 7 of each county report has the same information on farmworkers and payroll  Tables 46-56 contain 

various farm operator

characteristics by state

(2007) 

The U.S. Dept. of AgricultAgriculture every five yearaddition to various questio(including gender, age, racensus also asks questionworkers and the number tdays. Hired farmworker dNote that the census inclucounts only for farm operademographic data, see NA

Farmworker Labor Survey (Agriculture 

Dept. FLS) 

CA, FL, 

and HI 

(but see 

far right) 

none 

 overview of FLS

 contact NASS farm 

labor specialist (under 

commodities, scroll down to “labor”) 

 FLS news releases

(technical info and definitions are at the end)  farm computer usage 

and ownership (has data 

for each state)  Profile of Hired 

Farmworkers: 2008 Update (special occasional 

report) 

The Agriculture Dept.’s NaStatistics Service (NASS) surveys, on 1) farm labor technology-oriented repordating to 1997. Although FLS state-specifstates, 5 NASS regions aranother 7 are comprised oquarterly survey, issued aweek, and includes self-emand their hours worked analso hired worker numbersselected states. State-levethe November report. The computer usage surv

Page 20 of 29 
State and local area 

data source 

States 

covered 

Localities 

covered 

Other selected 

publications and 

features 

Frequently-asked 

questions, contact info, 

technical details, etc. 

National Agricultural Workers Survey

(Labor Dept. ETA, NAWS) 

CA and 

FL none 

 NAWS questionnaire

 NAWS methodology

 contact NAWS staff

(scroll to the bottom of the screen) 

The Labor Department’s (Administration oversees th1988. Data are available wreference period. The survemployment and other qucompensation and methodhistory (including seasonamigrant labor); educationatraining; union representaexpects to regularly post N2010. 

Economic Censuses

(Census Bureau) all 

all but 2 have at least MSA coverage, and most have much greater geographic detail (more information is in the links at the right) 

 overview of economic 

censuses

 economic census 

FAQ’s

 definitions of industries 

covered and geographic terms

 tips on using economic 

census data

 examples of how the 

data are used

 survey question topics, 

by industry

 questionnaires by 

economic census

 economic censuses 

and related economic surveys

 contact Census Bureau 

for specific industry censuses

 schedule of release 

dates for each industry report (2007 censuses) 

 schedule of release 

dates for each state (2007 

censuses)  receive e-mail notices 

when specific reports become available

 table showing level of 

geographic detail for each census

The Census Bureau condevery five years (in years industries: mining: utilitieswholesale trade; retail tradinformation; finance and inleasing; professional, sciemanagement of companieand support, and waste mservices; educational servassistance; arts, entertainaccommodation and food (except public administratindustry, but common queemployees; production or hours; total payroll costs; information is in the links s

Annual Survey of Manufactures

(Census Bureau ASM) 

all not published 

 ASM overview

 ASM FAQ’s

 ASM questionnaires

 definitions in the ASM

 contact ASM staff

ASM data are not issued uthe reference period. They manufacturing sub-industrcover the number of emplnumber of production worhours. 

Page 21 of 29 
State and local area 

data source 

States 

covered 

Localities 

covered o, 

Frequently-asked 

questions, contact inf

technical details, etc. 

Other selected 

publications and 

features 

Census of Governments

(Census Bureau) 

all none 

 list of government 

censuses and surveys

 overview of the census 

of governments

 questionnaires for 

various government censuses and surveys

 contact info for 

government census and

surveys

 customized tables by 

state, level of government, and government function

 example of how the 

customized table function works

The Census Bureau has scensus every five years (igovernment 1) organizatioThe census covers all 3 leCentral Intelligence Agencand the Defense Intelligencategory (Government Emsecond option (“Build-a-TaAlthough the options inclumunicipal employees, thesonly. 

Annual Survey of Government Employees (Census 

Bureau) 

all 

collected but not separately reported 

 annual government 

survey overview

 questionnaires for 

various government censuses and surveys

 technical info about the 

annual survey

 government finance 

and employment classification manual 

 contact info for 

government census and

surveys

To supplement the governconducts a sample AnnuaEmployees, which collects employment, pay, and wolocal data but only reports reported by functional areeducation; higher educatioadministration; judicial and online for all years since 1survey wasn’t conducted)year following the end of t

Schools and Staffing Survey, for 

elementary and secondary staff (U.S. Education Department, SASS) 

all none 

 SASS questionnaires

 SASS methodologies 

and procedures

 contact SASS staff

 SASS tables (options 

include both standard and customized tables) 

SASS is an extremely rich level data on teachers and less-detailed state-level dacoordinators and supervisnurses, psychologists, spesupport staff. As of late 2for the 2007-8 school yeaavailable for public schoolhaphazard, so the user sh

Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System State Tables

for postsecondary education employees (U.S. Education Department, IPEDS) 

all none 

 IPEDS homepage

 IPEDS overview

 IPEDS glossary

 contact IPEDS and 

IPEDS help desk

 postsecondary 

employees, faculty and graduate assistants 

This source has postsecotime and by tenure status, employees, managerial stadministrative support staetc. (with breakouts for fulcategories of employees). available data were for 20

Page 22 of 29 
State and local area 

data source 

States 

covered 

Localities 

covered 

Frequently-asked 

questions, contact info, 

technical details, etc. 

Other selected 

publications and 

features 

Other special topics involving government surveys (various agencies) 

usually all varies by the source 

 education statistics

 criminal justice 

statistics

 library statistics 

 health care workforce

 Public Transportation 

Usage Among U.S. Workers: 2008 and 2009

(ACS) 

The Education Dept.’s NaStatistics collects a wide vin the two preceding rowsCriminal justice statistics ipopulation typically excludthey are institutionalized. Tyears old. Data on public libraries incabout 1.5 years after the eThe U.S. Centers for DiseNational Center for Health 

the health care workforce, residential care facilities, hhomes, and nursing assisseparate places under the Surveys” in the link at the surveys is usually insuffici

Occupation and other workerspecific sources 

Note: there is a tremendous amount of data available on specific occupations and types of workers from the other sourcOccupational Employment Statistics listing above). The listings under this section are the best sources for specific occthe types of workers indicated. For background on occupations, see the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) sygeneral audience). The entries below are listed in alphabetical order by topic. Some of the entries in the industry section occupational data, especially the agriculture and education sources. 

Age: Younger and Older Workers (BLS and Census Bureau) 

all 

 50 MSAs and 17 central cities (BLS)  all localities above 20,000 population now; all below 20,000 as well after fall/winter 2010 (ACS) 

 CPS FAQ’s (BLS) 

 CPS technical info

(BLS)  contact CPS (BLS) 

 for ACS, see the first row above 

 state and local detailed 

tables (BLS) 

 ACS customized tables 

by age (click on “Detailed 

Tables” on the right side of the screen)  Labor Force 

Participation Rate for Selected Age Groups: 2008 and 2009 (ACS) 

 Labor force 

Participation Rate of People 65 Years and Older: 2008 (ACS) 

BLS age data for the state annual basis only, from thwhich rely on the CPS (the own entry in the Guide in employment” section abovlevel, the age groups of 1655-64, and 65 and older — force, employment, and upercentages). The most regender, and the final data a additional data on race, The most detailed state or available for the 16-19 age The Census Bureau’s Amalso available only on an adetailed data both by age always as current at the sprovide much more detailedoes BLS for states and loby age and gender for labunemployment. For more table. 

Page 23 of 29 
State and local area 

data source 

States 

covered 

Localities 

covered 

Frequently-asked 

questions, contact info, 

technical details, etc. 

Other selected 

publications and 

features 

Age: Older worker profiles (Census 

Bureau) 

30 

MSAs, counties and Workforce Investment Act program areas 

 individual state profiles 

for older workers

 detailed older worker 

tables for counties, MSAs, and WIA areas 

The Census Bureau’s Locpartnership with more thaindividual state profiles of on the publications, the m2010 was for 2004. Older age categories, beginning different tables are availabemployment by industry, jearnings. 

Disabled persons

(Census Bureau) all 

all localities above 20,000 population now; all below 20,000 as well after fall/winter 2010 

 disability defined in 

ACS and other government surveys (see 

table on pages 12-14)  ACS questionnaires

 various disability 

surveys

 links to other disability

statistics

 Online sources for 

disability statistics (Cornell 

University)  Disability Statistics 

Center (University of 

California, San Francisco) 

 Disability Among the 

Working Age Population: 2008 and 2009 (ACS) 

 customized tables for 

ACS state and local disability data (2006) 

 customized data tables 

from the ACS (data after 

2006) 

The Census Bureau’s Amcurrently has the most recdetailed data on disability. persons plus several genesensory, physical, mental, going outside the home, aemployment): for surveys differs. Employment informindividual is employed or nnot; median annual earninstatus. The Census Bureamuch easier to use and prthan those available for laACS, see the first row in tavailable for veterans (see supplies only national disa

Health Statistics also has 

employment info from the 

See also DOL’s Office of D

Green careers

(ETA) all none 

 O*NET green 

occupations list

 12 green career 

industry sectors

 Greening of the World 

of Work (O*NET study) 

 Measuring Green Jobs

(BLS, including a definition of green jobs)  Measuring the Green 

Economy (Commerce 

Department)  Contact BLS re green 

jobs

 Measurement and

Analysis of Employment in 

the Green Economy (Workforce Information Council): includes summaries of statesspecific green jobs studies  Green Jobs Community of Practice (individuals 

must register for this ETAsponsored Web site, but at no charge) 

There is no universally ac(also called green jobs), bsee the BLS link at left. Thused product and service green economy (see link aTraining Administration (Eoccupations through O*NEthese are new occupationdata yet exist. Each occupby state, and — if availabltotals, employment projecand selected educational considerable national-leveactivities, and the tools anoccupations have been casectors. In addition to theshave conducted their own link at left). 

Page 24 of 29 
State and local area 

data source 

States 

covered 

Localities 

covered 

d 

Frequently-asked 

questions, contact info, 

technical details, etc. 

Other selecte

publications and 

features 

Native Americans

(Census Bureau) all 

all localities above 20,000 population now; all below 20,000 as well after fall/winter 2010 

 handbook for using the 

ACS for Native Americans

(for geographic information see especially page 7 and Appendix 1)  ACS resources for the 

Native American population (includes 

contact information in the middle of the screen)  for ACS questionnaires, etc. see the first row of this Guide 

 Maps of Native 

American areas from the Census Bureau

 2000 census data by 

tribe (including 

employment data — note that this is an extremely large report divided into 2 Internet links)  customized 2000 

census tables for 539 tribes and 39 tribal groups

(see especially the economic characteristics)  introduction to 2000 

census products on Native Americans 

 American Indian 

Population and Labor Force Report (U.S. 

Department of Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs). As of late 2010, the latest report was for 2005, and includes state, tribal, and reservation data.  Status and Trends in 

the Education of American Indians and Alaska Natives: 2008, including 

state-level data (U.S. Education Department) 

The most current and geoAmerican Community SurAmerican community has sampling accuracy of this American ancestry (called and Alaska Native”) in 2 wsuch ancestry in the “raceminimal number of Native indicate both Native Amerproduces a maximum numgeographic areas have potherefore it’s necessary to produce estimates (see mthis table). A little over a dpopulations to produce 1-yothers have sufficient pop(see the ACS Handbook lNative American geograpAmerican populations, the used together with the Naexamine solely Native Amat left, page 24). Virtually called household) surveys but the sample sizes are tnational data. See also the Affairs labor force reports, forward and include both s

Race, ethnicity, immigration, and language 

all 

all localities above 20,000 population now; all below 20,000 as well after fall/winter 2010 

 FAQ’s on ancestry

(Census Bureau)  comparison of ancestry 

data from various Census Bureau surveys

 changes to the ACS 

and the potential effect on Hispanic origin, nativity, race, and language estimates

 comparison of race 

data from ACS and CPS

 comparison of 

citizenship data from ACS and CPS

 comparison of 

language-use data from various Census Bureau surveys

 Foreign-Born Labor 

Force in the U.S.: 2007

with state data (ACS)  Place of Birth of the 

Foreign-Born Population: 2009 (ACS) 

 Nativity Status and 

Citizenship in the U.S.: 2009 (ACS) 

 Year of Entry of the 

Foreign-Born Population: 2009 (ACS) 

 People Who Spoke a 

Language Other Than English at Home by Hispanic Origin and Race: 2009 (ACS) 

Data on race, ethnicity, anfrom different survey quesconfuse these categories. Hispanic origin (the most cand either White or Black. ask standard questions absubject can be especially government has separate query individuals on their citizenship status, race, HFor more info, see the def

Page 25 of 29 
State and local area 

data source 

States 

covered 

Localities 

covered o, 

Frequently-asked 

questions, contact inf

technical details, etc. 

Other selected 

publications and 

features 

Science and

engineering 

occupations

(National Science Foundation, NSF) 

all collected but not published 

 Survey of Doctorate 

Recipients

 National Survey of 

College Graduates

 National Survey of 

Recent College Graduates

 customized tables for 

state data 

 Science and 

Engineering Degrees: 2009 (ACS) 

The U.S. National Science Federal agency, sponsors engineering occupations (BLS and Census Bureau dThe NSF issues its own sreference period. 

Self-employment The next 3 rows describe sources on self-employment. BLS self-employment provides national data on this Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurial Activity (Kauffman 

Foundation) 

all largest 15 MSAs 

 the report’s appendix includes definitions and the methodology 

 Kauffman index, 1996-

2009 edition

This annually published stfoundation uses monthly dSurvey to calculate rates orankings, historical trendsa few months after the end 

Survey of Business Owners (Census 

Bureau SBO) 

all 

selected MSAs, micropolitan statistical areas, counties and places with 100 or more business owners 

 SBO FAQ’s

 SBO questionnaire

 contact SBO staff

 schedule of 2007 

survey publication dates

(July 2010-June 2011) 

The Survey of Business Ocomprehensive, regularly selected economic and debusinesses and business race. Data have been collyears ending in "2" and "7The program began as a sbusinesses in 1969 and wcensus in 1972 along with Businesses. Separate repavailable for businesses oNative Americans, Vetera

Non-employers

(Census Bureau) all 

counties, MSAs, and micropolitan statistical areas 

 overview of nonemployer statistics

 FAQ’s about nonemployer statistics definitions for nonemployer statistics contact non-employer 

statistics staff (lower left 

corner of screen) 

The Census Bureau annuStatistics,” which cover bu

Most non-employers are svery small unincorporated owner's principal source ofrom most other business Business Owners). Non-eall business establishmenof all sales or receipts. Tha half after the end of the on a consistently defined 

Page 26 of 29 
State and local area 

data source 

States 

covered 

Localities 

covered 

Frequently-asked 

o, 

Other selected 

questions, contact inf 

technical details, etc. 

publications and 

features 

Veterans (Census 

Bureau) all 

all localities above 20,000 population now; all below 20,000 as well after fall/winter 2010 

 veterans FAQ’s

 survey questions re 

veterans in ACS 

 history of veterans 

questions in Census Bureau surveys

 technical info re new 

ACS questions on veterans’ disability

 links to various sources 

of veterans statistics

 contact Census Bureau 

re veterans statistics (at 

bottom of screen) 

 customized data tables 

from the ACS

The Census Bureau’s Amthe only current source of national level (BLS supplie

For more information on thGuide. The type of employthe ACS is limited comparlabor force (including empand disability rating statusincome; and poverty statu

Women (DOL, BLS and Census Bureau) all 

all localities above 20,000 population now; all below 20,000 as well after fall/winter 2010 

 Men and Women’s 

Earnings for States and Metropolitan Statistical Areas: 2009 (ACS) 

Gender is one of the most surveys. See the BLS ovestatistics, and for primarily workforce data from the C

the Current Population Suof Employment and Unem“Unemployment and empl“Age” entry above in this srelated data by gender. Forow of this Guide. The DO

statistics and other publica

Economic (misc.) 

Page 27 of 29 
State and local area 

data source 

States 

covered 

Localities 

covered 

Frequently-asked 

questions, contact info, 

technical details, etc. 

Other selected 

publications and 

features 

Personal income, compensation and employment (BEA) 

all 

BEA economic areas (179), MSAs (363), micropolitan statistical areas (576), counties, and other areas 

 overview of state and 

local personal income data

 BEA general glossary

 BEA regional glossary

 BEA economic areas

(definitions and maps)  state and local 

personal income and employment methodology

 National Income and 

Products Account Handbook

 contact BEA regional 

staff by phone (about 3⁄4’s 

down the page) or contact 

BEA by e-mail

 recent state and local 

reports

 BEA state and local 

statistics

 news release schedule

 quick links to BEA state 

and local data (including 

GDP)  e-mail subscriptions to 

BEA news releases

Issued by the U.S. CommAnalysis (BEA), the state local series back to 1969. quarterly (for states only) tables include 1) full-and pindustry, and wage and saboth the state and local lepersonal income plus earndisbursements, and compissues preliminary state athe end of the year, and mlater; quarterly estimates (months after the end of thMSA data are issued 9 momore complete local area months and 16 months aftNote that BEA’s definitionearnings differ from those Bureau, with earnings reflcompensation. Also, manaverages per individual as but rather totals for an entdoes issue average per cajob data. 

Bearfacts (BEA) all MSAs and counties 

Issued by the U.S. CommAnalysis (BEA). Data coveand personal income. This making a simple selection for counties) produces a cinformation about the souimmediately above and in 

American Time Use Survey (BLS ATUS) 

selected 

states, 

but not 

published 

none 

 ATUS overview

 ATUS FAQ’s

 background and history 

of time-use surveys

 ATUS survey 

methodology and questionnaire 

 contact ATUS

 ATUS publications The ATUS (which began i

where, and with whom Amthe only Federal survey wnonmarket activities (incluIn addition, it collects inforactivities (such as travelineducational activities (inclBLS will make available arequest. State-level estimaperiods, because the smasingle-year estimates. 

Metropolitan Policy Program (Brookings 

Institution) 

none top 100 MSAs 

This private sector researcof reports and products on including economic, labor population, immigration, h

Page 28 of 29 
Page 29 of 29 

State and local area 

data source 

States 

covered 

Localities 

covered 

Frequently-asked 

questions, contact info, 

technical details, etc. 

Other selected 

publications and 

features 

Population Employment and training programs (and many other social programs) base eligibility and funding decisions in part oPopulation estimates (Census 

Bureau) 

all 

all localities above 20,000 population now; all below 20,000 as well after fall/winter 2010 (ACS) 

 overview of Census 

Bureau population estimates

 schedule for most 

recent estimates and next update

 methodology for 

determining population estimates

 contact Population 

Division (at bottom of 

screen) 

 population estimates 

for states, counties and

other localities

 historical state and 

local estimates

 Current Population 

Reports series (on various 

topics) 

Census Bureau population ways: 1) the Bureau’s popAmerican Community Surpopulation estimates (see sources, including the ACand administrative data (sFor more on the ACS, see population data can be obpopulation estimates or fro

of localities available from both methods may be worprovide annual population 

Note. By limiting sources that have little or no state and local data, we do not mean to downplay several extremely iminformation, principally the Current Population Survey (supervised jointly by BLS and the Census Bureau), the U.S. DNational Household Education Survey (NHES), and various longitudinal surveys sponsored by several entities. Longquery the same individual, household, or business establishment over time. For your convenience, here are some es(we will separately issue the links for longitudinal surveys, and will include a link to that document in a later version o

Current Population Survey (BLS and Census Bureau) 

 CPS A-Z Index, Labor Force Statistics from the Current Population Survey: Demographics and Labor Force C

 Current Population Survey and Population and Household Economic Topics (Census Bureau) — many, but n

latter link pertain to the CPS 

 Lists and descriptions of CPS supplements to the regular monthly survey can be obtained from the Census Bu

a more complete list from National Bureau of Economic Research CPS supplements. 

National Household Education Survey (U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics) 

 National Household Education Survey (The first link, Adult Education, is an excellent source for information on 

training.) 

 National Household Education Surveys program

For questions, comments or suggestions about this Guide, contact 1) the appropriate ETA Regional Office; 2) Frank Gallo 

the win-win.network@dol.gov. 

December 8, 2010