The Economic Census is the U.S. government’s official 5-year measure of American business and the economy. Only the Economic Census provides information on industry revenues and other measures of American business performance that are consistent, comparable, and comprehensive across industries and geographic areas. For more information, visit the Economic Census webpage.

The Census Bureau’s Economic Census collects reliable business statistics essential to understanding the American economy every 5 years—in years ending in “2” and “7.” 

Yes. Response to the Economic Census is required by law. Title 13 of the United States Code requires businesses and other organizations that receive this questionnaire to answer the questions and return the report to the Census Bureau.

Data from the Economic Census is important for your industry, your community, and your business:

• Your trade association and chamber of commerce rely on information from the census for economic development and business decisions.
• Government agencies, analysts, and business organizations nationwide also rely on census information for planning purposes and for completing key economic reports. 
•  Information provided by the Economic Census can help you support decisions and planning for your own business. 

Yes. Title 13 ensures the following protections to individuals and businesses.

Participating in U.S. Census Bureau censuses and surveys is safe. The Census Bureau is required by law to protect your information and keep your responses strictly confidential. It’s against the law for the Census Bureau to publicly release your responses in any way that could identify you, your household, or your organization. 

All Census Bureau employees take an oath of nondisclosure and are sworn for life to protect all information that could identify individuals. Disclosing ANY information that could identify you or your business means 5 years in prison, or $250,000 in fines, or both.

The Census Bureau releases results from the Economic Census about 1 year after the collection is complete, then on a flow basis.

For more information, see the Economic Census release schedules.

You can access the data at the Economic Census Data webpage using one of the tools listed. Get access to the data tools through the “Data” tab located at the top of any of our Web pages. Just select “Data Tools and Apps” for the list of data tools.

Industries and geographies will vary by product. You can access these data through the various series made available through the data tools.

• Core Business Statistics 
• Industry Series 
• Geographic Area Series 
• Subjects/Summary Series 

You can get access to data on those listed below along with other related reports. 

• Construction
• Wholesale
• Manufacturing 
• Utilities & Finance
• Mining 
• Retail
• Services