Skip to Main Content

U.S. Census Connections: A Resource Guide

2002-2022 Economic Census

Starting with the 2002 Economic Census, the Census Bureau did not publish any printed reports. The resulting data and reports were made available digitally as PDF documents or data tables in American Fact Finder which was replaced by data.census.gov in 2020. This page includes links to resources on the Census Bureau web site for each economic census. 

The following online resources come from the U,S, Census Bureau. Some websites are archived (as indicated) and some are available in PDF format.

2002

The 2002 Economic Census covered nearly all of the U.S. economy in its basic collection of establishment statistics. Also included were several related programs that collected statistics on minority- and women-owned businesses. Censuses of agriculture and governments were conducted at the same time. Results from the census were issued on the Internet and on DVD-ROM during 2004 through 2006. No reports were issued in print.

2007

The 2007 Economic Census used direct data collection and administrative records to compile statistics on approximately 29 million business establishments in industries defined by the 2007 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). In addition to the general enumeration of businesses, the 2007 census program included surveys of business owners and commodity flows. The Census results were released online only; no print reports were released.

2012

The 2012 Economic Census reflected changes defined in the 2012 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), including new industries as well as a realignment of a significant number of other industries. Product categories for selected sectors, including wholesale and retail trade, were revised to conform to the North American Product Classification System (NAPCS). Additional company-level aggregated information was published in a new 2012 Enterprise Statistics report.

2017

A new electronic instrument used for the 2017 Economic Census allowed for online reporting for both small and large companies. The introduction of the North American Product Classification System (NAPCS) allowed the 2017 Economic Census to collect more detailed and useful information on products and services than ever before. Other changes, such as modifications to industry categories and industry specific content, have been updated to better reflect the changing economy.--adapted from Economic Census FAQs.

2022

Census Bureau mailed 2022 Economic Census participation invitations to businesses in January 2023. Preliminary general industry statistics are scheduled to be released in March 2024.