Government Web Sites
- Explore Census DataEasy access to U.S. census data; coverage includes population, housing, economic, and geographic data. Begin with the Census Bureau (www.census.gov) for access to the Statistical Abstract of the United States as well as a wealth of other data.
- American Time Use SurveyThe American Time Use Survey (ATUS) measures the amount of time people spend doing various activities, such as paid work, childcare, volunteering, and socializing.
- Consumer Action WebsiteU.S. General Services Administration. Includes consumer topics, resources, and contact information.
- Consumer Expenditure Survey (BLS)Excellent source of information about household income & how much Americans spend on various kinds of products and services each year. Also from the Bureau of Labor Statistics: The CPI Index, both regionally and nationally.
- Consumer Price IndexMonthly data on changes in the prices paid by urban consumers for a representative basket of goods and services.
- Economic CensusEconomic Statistics for U.S., states, metro areas, counties, and cities. Published every five years (2002, 2007, 2012, etc.) for every industry (NAICS).
- Federal Trade Commission for the ConsumerWebsite for households and businesses including advice on avoiding scams and rip-offs, as well as tips on other consumer topics. Includes hundreds of reports of interest to consumers. Arguably the best site for information about consumer protection issues.
- Housing ExpendituresBureau of Labor Statistics
- Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF)"The Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF) is a triennial survey of the balance sheet, pension, income, and other demographic characteristics of U.S. families."
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The Bureau of Labor Statistics is chock full of useful data for marketing and consumer research. Here are some links to resources useful to this class.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: HomepageThe gateway to all of the data created by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Consumer Expenditure Survey (BLS)Excellent source of information about household income & how much Americans spend on various kinds of products and services each year. Also from the Bureau of Labor Statistics: The CPI Index, both regionally and nationally.
- Inflation CalculatorAn inflation calculator made available by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- American Time Use Survey: 2010 dataA gateway to the American Time Use Survey's 2010 data.
- American Time Use Survey: User's GuideA user's guide for the American Time Use Survey.
- Consumer Expenditure Survey (BLS)Excellent source of information about household income & how much Americans spend on various kinds of products and services each year. Also from the Bureau of Labor Statistics: The CPI Index, both regionally and nationally.
Consumer Research Guide
- Government Information ServicesA guide created by Emeritus Professor Paul Scipione; this guide will introduce you to the major resources related to Consumer Behavior produced by different branches of the government and made freely available to the public.
There is a tremendous amount of information out there. This guide will introduce you to a few of the major resources available.
