On-line resources for Industry Analysis

Demographics

The federal government collects and reports statistical information for a wide range of demographic and economic topics.  You can search for collected information at www.FedStats.gov.  The White House has also prepared a compilation of frequently requested topics on their website.  The greatest source of demographic information can be found at the AmericanFactfinder, the Census Bureau’s website for disseminating Census 2000 data.  During each decade, the Census Bureau collects data on a variety of different subjects, including economic and business related, housing, and special demographic tabulations.  See Subjects A to Z to locate the information you need.  The Statistical Abstract of the United States is a compendium of statistics from a variety of government and other publications. 

Sometimes, information on “best customers” or “target markets” can be found within articles in newspapers and magazines. 

American Demographics is the primary resource for market research articles.  Their website provides snippets of information  for free and full articles for a nominal fee.  New Strategist publishes books about consumer markets, including Best Customers.  You can purchase specific chapters of their books on their website.  The Population Reference Bureau provides overviews of their studies at AmeriStat.

Sources of Data by Geography

State, MSA and County

State & County Quickfacts – Most recent economic and demographic estimates by State and County.
CensusScope – Create eye-catching charts and tables for key demographic variables by State or MSA.
FDIC Regional Economic Conditions (RECON) – Nice charts and tables of economic indicators by MSA and County.  Includes statistics on bankruptcies, housing, employment, and income.
County Business Patterns - employment and establishment data for counties, ZIP Codes, and Metropolitan Areas for 1993 to 2000
Migration Data – can be charted on this website.  See migration by year for the 1990s for MSAs and States.

ZIP Code

Acorn Lifestyle Lookup - see 2001 demographic estimates and geo-demographic lifestyle data.  Don’t know the ZIP Code?  Look up the ZIP Code for any address here.  Use MelissaData.com to find out what ZIP codes are within a certain radius of your primary ZIP code.

 

Ring Studies

ICSC Ring Analysis (1990 Free Data)
The Right Site 2000 Census Data (Free)

Sources of Data by Subject

Agriculture and Forestry

1997 Census of Agriculture - statistical information about farms and farming (USDA).

American Indians/Alaskan Natives

Facts on the American Indian/Alaska Native Population - factsheet and links to American Indian/Alaska Native data from the Census Bureau.

 

Asians/Pacific Islanders

Facts on the Asian/Pacific Island Population - factsheet and links to Asian/Pacific Islander data from the Census Bureau.

 

Blacks/African Americans

Facts on the Black/African American Population - factsheet and links to Black/African American data from the Census Bureau.

Business & Economic Data

1997 Economic Census - business establishment data for the nation, states, MSAs, counties and cities.
EconData.net - another webliography of economic related data sources.

 

Computer and Internet Use

CyberAtlas - compendium of online statistics.
Computer Use and Ownership – national data from the Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey.

Pew Internet & American Life – Research on the hyperspace use.

Consumer Expenditures

Consumer Expenditure Survey – consumer expenditure estimates by region and consumer type.

Crime

Bureau of Justice Statistics - everything you want to know about crime and crime control.

Education/Schools

National Center for Educational Statistics - from the US Dept. of Education.
National Child Care Information Center - statistics related to the childcare industry.

Employment 

Bureau of Labor Statistics – Official Source for statistics on unemployment, employment and wages.

Healthcare, Aging and Vital Statistics

Demographic Characteristics of the Aging Population compiled by the Administration on Aging.
Statistics on Healthcare and Healthcare Expenditures from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
National Center for Health Statistics - vital (births & deaths) and health statistics for the nation and states.
 
Hispanics

Hispanic Research provides overview of Hispanic market.
Facts on the Hispanic/Latino Population – factsheet and links to Hispanic/Latino data from the Census Bureau.

Housing

American Housing Survey - US Census Survey of Housing in metropolitan areas (2001).
Housing & Urban Development (HUD) Research - recent research about affordable housing.

Religious Affiliation and Attitudes

Adherents.com - find out how many Methodists (or other religious adherents) are in your state.  Compilation of data from several different sources.
American Religion Data Archive – Create maps and charts of religious affiliation by state and county.  Access to other surveys on religious affiliation and opinion.  Funded by the Lilly Endowment through the Pennsylvania State University.
American Religious Identification Survey conducted by the City University of New York.  Key findings and statistics for the Unites States can be found on this website.
Barna Research conducts public opinion surveys of Christians and provides analysis of Christian Churches.
Hartford Institute for Religion Research a source for various studies on culture and religion.  Includes links to other research centers and denominational statistical offices.
North American Jewish Databank statistics are not available online, but information on research conducted nationwide and in various communities can be found here.  Contact information for data sources is provided.

 Religious Congregations and Membership: 2000 is a report from the Glenmary Research Center.  This Catholic group conducts a “census of religious bodies” every decade at the same time as the U.S. Census.  Highlights and summary information can be found at the website along with information on how to purchase the full report.
Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches is a book published yearly by the National Council of Churches in the USA.  Includes statistical information on religious congregations as well as contact information for denominational offices.  Includes most religious bodies found in Canada and the United States.  The website includes current statistics for Christian denominations who are members of the NCCUSA.