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The U.S. Census Bureau operates under the authority of Title 13 of the United States Code. As part of the Department of Commerce, the Census Bureau exists to monitor and record important data on the nation’s people and economy.
The first census in the United States took place in 1790 and only counted the heads of households. Today’s general census occurs every 10 years and keeps track of everything from the number of people per home to individual incomes. The last count took place in the year 2000; the Census Bureau is currently gearing up for 2010.
The general census
The decennial census records not only the country’s population, but also demographic and economic trends. These findings are important for employers in several areas such as:
- Planning for a changing workforce,
- Managing competition,
- Determining market share,
- Planning business to business operations,
- Locating business sites,
- Outlining sales territories and setting sales quotas.
Federal, state and local government entities use the data to:
- Understand the local tax base,
- Assist local businesses,
- Develop public policy,
- Prepare adequate disaster responses.
The economic census
In addition to the general census, the Census Bureau conducts an economic census every five years. If your company receives one of the census forms, you are required by law to complete the form, either on paper or online, and return it to the Census Bureau.
The last economic census was completed in 2007; the Census Bureau expects to release those findings throughout 2009 and 2010.
Data from the economic census serves the government, private businesses, and the general public with important information about business and economic trends. It also profiles related facts such as the percentage of minority and women-owned businesses. The economic census can be particularly valuable for employers in gauging the competition, measuring efficiency, and creating business plans.
Businesses are tracked according to their industry code in the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). The NAICS was first implemented in 1997 to make economic statistics more comparable throughout North America.
Using census data
Census data can aid Human Resource professionals in planning for a changing workforce; demographic trends can aid in developing an appropriate diversity-management program, for instance. In a specific example, the 2000 census data suggest the Hispanic population is the U.S. is rapidly growing. Employers may choose to apply this knowledge in developing Spanish-language materials or hiring Spanish-speaking individuals.
Census data also suggests that the population is aging. Armed with this information, employers can more effectively plan to meet the needs of older workers, while at the same time protecting their companies from age discrimination lawsuits.