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BUS 4788 Business Plan Research

This guide includes vital online sources to help you develop your Business Plan.

U.S. Demographic Resources

Demographics are the physical characteristics of a population, such as age, sex, marital status, family size, education, geographic location, and occupation. Demographic data is available from many sources, including government agencies and private commercial sources.

  • Library Database: Gale Business: DemographicsNow -provides demographic information including income, housing, race, age, education, retail spending, consumer expenditures, businesses, and more.

The primary source for demographic information in the United States is the United States Census Bureau and its reports based on the decennial census

U.S. Census Comprehensive Resources

  • American Community Survey - One-year, 3-year, and 5-year estimates for the nation from the most recent release. Broad subject categories include social, economic, housing, and demographic.
  • Current Population Survey - a monthly survey of about 50,000 households conducted by the Census Bureau for the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Estimates obtained from the CPS include employment, unemployment, earnings, hours of work, and other indicators.
  • Data USA is a collection of U.S. statistics and stories, including demographics, public health, energy consumption, mean income, and other topics categorized by location, industry, occupation, and education.
  • Survey of Income and Program Participation - collects data and measures change for many topics, including economic well-being, family dynamics, education, assets, health insurance, childcare, and food security.

Census Business Builder

US Census Business Builder - Provides easy access to selected demographic and economic data from the Census Bureau about potential customers and similar businesses for those starting or planning a business.

Census Business Builder - Regional Analyst Edition - Provides a broad portrait of the people and businesses in their service area. Presents data for all sectors of the economy and a user-defined region made up of one or more locations.

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Resources

American Time Use Survey (BLS) - measures the time people spend doing various activities, such as paid work, childcare, volunteering, and socializing.

Bureau of Labor Statistics - provides statistics and reports on topics related to labor  including income and earnings, labor force, salary and wages, and occupational outlooks.

Consumer Expenditure Survey - identifies the buying habits of American consumers, including data on their expenditures, income, and consumer unit (families and single consumers characteristics).