Economics Research Guide: US Economic Data

It has been more than 30 years since the Bureau of the Census published an edition of Historical Statistics of the United States. Previous editions were published by the Census Bureau in 1949, 1960, and 1975. The size of this statistical source has increased from two volumes to five, with more than 37,000 data series.

One of the most important sources for current U.S. business statistics. Covers general business indicators, prices, domestic and foreign trade, labor force, employment and earnings, finance and the major industries. Special reports appear at intervals on national income and product accounts, international transactions, personal income and international investment both here and abroad.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) publishes a Handbook of Methods detailing their statistical concepts, definitions, sources, methods, and procedures.