Fast Facts: The Economy in the United States

The economic census measures the nation’s economic activity, providing key source data for the gross domestic product (GDP) and other indicators of economic performance. Providing data that businesses need to compare industries and locations, the economic census is vital for developing business plans, gauging the competition and assessing efficiency.

On Dec. 17, 2007, most U.S. businesses with paid employees will receive an economic census form. The Economic Census takes place every five years in years ending in 2 and 7, and traces its roots back to the first census of manufactures in 1810.

Some Highlights:

++ 16 to 1
The ratio of auto paint or body repair shops to automobile driving schools.

++ 14.7%
Percent increase from 1997 to 2002 in the number of gas stations with convenience stores.

++ $258
Per capita sales at drinking establishments in Montana.

++ 789 million square feet
The amount of selling space at department stores in the United States

++ 65
The number of videotape rental stores per 1 million U.S. residents. There were also 17 movie theaters and one drive-in theater per 1 million U.S. residents.

++ 12,261
The number of golf courses and country clubs in the United States.

++ 18 to 1
The ratio of beauty salons to barbershops

Source: U.S. Census

This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 18th, 2007 and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.