U.S. businesses spent $264.2 billion on information and communication technology (ICT) equipment and computer software in 2007, a 4.4 percent increase over 2006, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Each year, the Census Bureau publishes sector-level data from its Information and Communication Technology Survey for noncapitalized and capitalized spending as a supplement to the Annual Capital Expenditures Survey. Noncapitalized expenditures are written off in the same year in which they are made, while capitalized expenditures are usually depreciated over time.

Noncapitalized expenditures made up 35.7 percent, or $94.4 billion, of spending on ICT equipment. Capitalized spending accounted for 64.3 percent of total spending, or $169.8 billion, a 5.9 percent increase from 2006.

Among noncapitalized expenditures, purchases of ICT equipment accounted for $20.2 billion (21.4 percent), an increase of 7.0 percent from 2006; operating leases and rental payments accounted for $17.8 billion (18.8 percent); and computer software expenditures accounted for $56.4 billion (59.7 percent).

Of total capitalized spending in 2007, purchases of ICT equipment accounted for $106.5 billion, an increase of 5.3 percent from 2006. Capitalized purchases and payroll for developing software accounted for $63.3 billion, an increase of 6.8 percent from 2006.

Sector highlights:

* Information — Spending in this sector totaled $63.8 billion, or 24.1 percent of total ICT expenditures. Noncapitalized spending saw a 10.5 percent decrease from 2006, while capitalized expenditures increased 4.1 percent over the same period.
* Finance and insurance — Spending in this sector totaled $52.5 billion, or 19.9 percent of total ICT spending in 2007. Capitalized spending at $29.1 billion increased 6.4 percent from 2006.
* Manufacturing — Spending in this sector reached $36.2 billion, representing 13.7 percent of total ICT spending for 2007. Noncapitalized expenditures were $17.7 billion, an increase of 2.5 percent over 2006. Capital expenditures were $18.5 billion.
* Professional, scientific, and technical services — In 2007, spending in this sector totaled $24.9 billion, or 9.4 percent of total ICT spending. Noncapitalized expenditures were $11.3 billion. Capitalized expenditures were $13.6 billion.
* Health care and social assistance — This sector spent $21.4 billion, representing 8.1 percent of total ICT spending. Capitalized expenditures reached $14.5 billion, a 10.9 percent increase from 2006.

-X-

The estimates in this report are based on a stratified random sample of about 47,800 companies with employees. Responding firms account for about 89.8 percent of the total e-business infrastructure spending estimate.

Data in the report are subject to sampling variability as well as nonsampling errors. Sources of nonsampling error include errors of response, nonreporting and coverage. More details concerning survey design, methodology and data limitations are provided in the full report, which is available online at <www.census.gov/csd/ict/>.

ATLANTA — In January 2009, U.S. Census Bureau field representatives will collect information about how much Americans spend for groceries, clothing, transportation, housing, health care and other items from a sample of households across the country.

The Consumer Expenditure (CE) Survey program consists of two parts:

* The Interview Survey – Throughout the year, about 43,000 households will be interviewed once every three months over five calendar quarters to obtain data on relatively large expenditures and also for those expenditures that occur on a regular basis (such as rent and utilities).

* The Diary Survey – During the year, another 9,200 households will keep two consecutive one-week diaries of smaller, more frequent purchases that may be difficult for respondents to recall later (such as a fast-food purchase at a drive-through window, a soda or candy bar from a vending machine, or a carton of eggs from the supermarket).

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics then calculates and publishes integrated data from the two surveys — providing a snapshot of our nation’s economy and spending habits. Government economists use the survey results to update a “market basket” of goods and services for the Consumer Price Index, our nation’s most widely used measure of inflation.

“Findings from the Consumer Expenditure Survey permit policymakers to assess the impact of governmental policy changes on spending patterns of different socioeconomic groups,” said George Grandy Jr., director of the Census Bureau’s Atlanta Regional Office. “These data also help business owners track consumer spending trends, so they can better respond to the needs of their customers.”

Before the CE interviews begin, households will receive a letter from the Census Bureau director informing them of their selection to participate in the survey. Census Bureau field representatives will visit these households to conduct the interview. The field representative must display an official photo identification before proceeding with the interview. Federal law ensures survey respondents’ personal information and answers are kept confidential.

Click here to get data on the amount spent on housing from an example of CE results. Housing spending includes shelter; utilities, fuels and public services; household operations; housekeeping supplies; and household furnishings and equipment.

About one in five U.S. residents – 19 percent – reported some level of disability in 2005, according to a U.S. Census Bureau report released today. These 54.4 million Americans are roughly equal to the combined total populations of California and Florida.

Both the number and percentage of people with disabilities were higher than in 2002, the last time the Census Bureau collected such information. At that time, 51.2 million, or 18 percent, reported a disability.

Among those with a disability, 35 million, or 12 percent of the population, were classified as having a severe disability, according to Americans With Disabilities: 2005 [PDF].

Nearly half (46 percent) of people age 21 to 64 with a disability were employed, compared with 84 percent of people in this age group without a disability. Among those with disabilities, 31 percent with severe disabilities and 75 percent with nonsevere disabilities were employed. People with difficulty hearing were more likely to be employed than those with difficulty seeing (59 percent compared with 41 percent).

A portion of people with disabilities — 11 million age 6 and older — needed personal assistance with everyday activities. These activities include such tasks as getting around inside the home, taking a bath or shower, preparing meals and performing light housework.

Other important findings:

• Among people 15 and older, 7.8 million (3 percent) had difficulty hearing a normal conversation, including 1 million being unable to hear at all. Although not part of the definition of disability used in the report, 4.3 million people reported using a hearing aid.

• Roughly 3.3 million people, or 1 percent, age 15 and older used a wheelchair or similar device, with 10.2 million, or 4 percent, using a cane, crutches or walker.

• Nearly 7.8 million people age 15 and older had difficulty seeing words or letters in ordinary newspaper print, including 1.8 million being completely unable to see.

• More than 16 million people had difficulty with cognitive, mental or emotional functioning. This included 8.4 million with one or more problems that interfere with daily activities, such as frequently being depressed or anxious, trouble getting along with others, trouble concentrating and trouble coping with stress.

• The chances of having a disability increase with age: 18.1 million people 65 and older, or 52 percent, had a disability. Of this number, 12.9 million, or 37 percent, had a severe disability. For people 80 and older, the disability rate was 71 percent, with 56 percent having a severe disability.

• Among people 16 to 64, 13.3 million, or 7 percent, reported difficulty finding a job or remaining employed because of a health-related condition.

• Among people 25 to 64 with a severe disability, 27 percent were in poverty, compared with 12 percent for people with a nonsevere disability and 9 percent for those without a disability.

• Median monthly earnings were $1,458 for people with a severe disability, $2,250 for people with a nonsevere disability and $2,539 for those with no disability.

• Parents reported that 228,000 children under age 3, or 2 percent, had a disability. Specifically, they either had a developmental delay or difficulty moving their arms or legs. In addition, there were 475,000 children 3 to 5 years, or 4 percent, with a disability, which meant they had either a developmental delay or difficulty walking, running or playing.

• There were 4.7 million children 6 to 14, or 13 percent, with a disability. The most prevalent type was difficulty doing regular schoolwork (2.5 million, or 7 percent).

The Survey of Income and Program Participation produces national-level estimates for the U.S. resident population and subgroups, and allows for the observation of trends over time, particularly of selected characteristics such as income, eligibility for and participation in transfer programs, household and family composition, labor force behavior and other associated events.

Click here to view work at home resources for the disabled.

Upcoming

American Community Survey

American Community Survey 2005-2007 Data Release — On Dec. 9, the Census Bureau will release the first set of American Community Survey three-year-averaged data for all geographies with populations greater than 20,000. The release will provide the first look at detailed socioeconomic and housing characteristics for geographies between 20,000 and 64,999 since Census 2000. (Data will be embargoed to the media Dec. 4.)

The American Community Survey: What the Media Needs to Know — A new handbook that describes how the ACS is designed, key concepts and how to get the most out of the survey data. It explains the various ways to find and access ACS data and the best ways for novice and experienced journalists to use the estimates. Step-by-step articles are included on how journalists have used the ACS to find and improve their published work. ACS Compass products are available at <http://www.census.gov/acs/www/UseData/Compass/compass_series.html>.

Foreign-Born Characteristics: 2007 — There were an estimated 38 million people in 2007 living in the United States who were born outside of the country. New data profiles show educational attainment, income, year of entry, occupations and more based on a group’s country of birth. (Tentatively scheduled for release in mid-January.)

Demographic

Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (SAIPE): 2006 and 2007 — These tables provide estimates of income and poverty for states and counties, as well as estimates of poverty and population for school districts, median household income and poverty rates of various age groups. SAIPE provides annual updates for the administration of federal programs and the allocation of federal funds to local jurisdictions. (Tentatively scheduled for release Dec. 10.)

Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2009 — Published since 1878, “Uncle Sam’s Almanac” presents its usual dazzling array of statistics on topics from “A” (aerobics) to “Z” (zinc production). The 128th edition includes several dozen new tables and more than 1,400 overall, describing life in our nation and the world. (Tentatively scheduled for release Dec. 15.)

International Data Base — The world population is undergoing constant changes in fertility, infant mortality, life expectancy and other factors. Which countries have fertility rates at or above replacement levels? Will the annual number of births peak anytime soon? Answers to these and other questions about the population of the world’s 225 countries can be found in this 2008 update. (Tentatively scheduled for release Dec. 16.)

Americans with Disabilities: 2005 — National-level data on the socioeconomic characteristics of people with disabilities, such as poverty, program participation, employment status and earnings. Includes estimates of people with a wide range of specific disabilities, e.g., difficulty seeing or hearing, the need for personal assistance with preparing meals, the use of a wheelchair and Alzheimer’s. (Tentatively scheduled for release Dec. 18.)

State Population Estimates: July 1, 2008 — In 2007, Nevada reclaimed its title as the nation’s fastest-growing state. Will the Silver State remain tops? Internet tables will show July 1, 2008, population estimates and components of change for the nation, states and Puerto Rico. (Tentatively scheduled for release Dec. 22.)

New Year’s Day Population — The Census Bureau rings in the year with its annual projection of the nation’s population for Jan. 1, 2009. The release will include birth, death and net international migration rates. (Tentatively scheduled for release Dec. 29.)

Economic

2007 Commodity Flow Survey — Tracking value, tonnage, mileage and mode of transportation, this survey provides new data on the movement of goods in the United States. It covers mining, manufacturing, wholesale and selected retail trade and service industries. (Tentatively scheduled for release Dec. 9.)

2007 State and Local Government Public Employee-Retirement Systems — Annual data on revenues, expenditures, financial assets and membership for public employee-retirement systems. Data are shown for individual retirement systems as well as aggregately at the national, state and local levels. (Tentatively scheduled for release Dec. 29.)

Facts for Features

Valentine’s Day — The year’s most romantic edition features a collection of statistics on chocolates, flowers, jewelry and marriage, among other topics. (Tentatively scheduled for release Dec. 15.)

St. Patrick’s Day and Irish-American Heritage Month (March) — May the “luck o’ the Irish” be with you as you peruse this edition of the Facts for Features. It is filled with statistical information from the Census Bureau’s demographic and economic subject areas on the nation’s Irish-American population and other facets of this celebration of all things Irish. (Tentatively scheduled for release Jan. 5.)

Women’s History Month (March) — In commemoration of this annual observance highlighting and celebrating the varied and historic accomplishments of women, this edition provides statistical information on topics such as earnings, education, business ownership, voting, occupations, military service and marriage. (Tentatively scheduled for release Jan. 5.)

Broadcast/Photo/Multimedia/Television

Radio

Profile America and Al Día (Spanish) — Profile America is a daily, 60-second feature that uses interesting vignettes from key events, observances or commemorations for that day to highlight information collected by the Census Bureau. Upcoming segments include the story of Americans’ charitable nature in “Helping Others” (Dec. 7) and the Post Office’s holiday-season burden in “Mailing Time Runs Out” (Dec. 17). The December daily features are available at <http://www.census.gov/pubinfo/www/broadcast/radio/profile_america/index.html>. January’s features will appear soon.

The URL for MP3 downloads, WAV files and subscription podcast access is <http://www.census.gov/pubinfo/www/broadcast/radio/profile_america/index.html>. Profile America and Al Día daily features can be downloaded individually and for the entire month via zip files at <http://www.census.gov/pubinfo/www/broadcast/radio/index.html>.

Recently Released

(Since Nov. 21, 2008)

Demographic

Profiles of Older Workers: 2004 —The Census Bureau is releasing a series of state reports on workers 55 and older. North Dakota’s report was released Nov. 25. Previously released reports are available at <http://lehd.did.census.gov/led/library/profiles_2007.html>.

Economic

2007 State Government Finances — Nov. 26 — Complete information on the financial activity of all 50 state governments. Data cover revenues by type (taxes and federal aid), expenditures by character (current operations, capital outlay, payments to other governments), expenditures by function (welfare, health, education, natural resources), indebtedness, and cash and security holdings. Complete statistics on local government finances will be released in the summer of 2009 from the 2007 Census of Governments (http://www.census.gov/govs/www/state.html). Internet address: <http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/governments/012918.html>.

Business Dynamics Statistics — Dec. 2 — This new data tool provides a unique way to track annual changes in employment at the establishment level by business size and age. Internet address: <http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/employment_occupations/013012.html>.

Facts for Features

Black (African-American) History Month (February) — Dec. 2 — To commemorate and celebrate the contributions to our nation made by people of African descent, the Census Bureau presents a collection of demographic and economic statistics about the black community. Internet address: <http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/013007.html>.

Broadcast/Photo/Multimedia/Television

Video

2010 Census: A New Portrait of America — This informational video explains how communities benefit from Census Bureau data collection efforts. Testimonials describe the importance of a complete and accurate count and why the 2010 Census will be the most important count in our nation’s history. It shows data collection operations in action. Running time is 3:10. Internet address: <http://www.census.gov/pubinfo/www/broadcast/video/census_operations/011424.html>.

Radio

Profile America and Al Día (Spanish) for August and September — Profile America segments included the start of the frozen dinner industry in “TV Dinners” (Nov. 26) and a notable medical advance in “Artificial Heart” (Dec. 2). Internet address: <http://www.census.gov/pubinfo/www/broadcast/radio/index.html>.

________________________________________

News releases, reports, data tables and radio transcripts are available on the Public Information Office’s Web page at at <http://www.census.gov/pubinfo/www/news.html>. Questions or comments should be directed to the Census Bureau’s Public Information Office at 301-763-3030 or 301-763-3691; fax 301-763-3762; or e-mail <pio@census.gov>.

The U.S. Census Bureau announces the release of the Business Dynamics Statistics (BDS), a data series that allows users to track annual changes in employment for growing and shrinking businesses at the establishment level.

There are more than 6 million establishments with paid employees in the United States. These businesses are dynamic: opening and closing, adding and losing employees.

The BDS monitors this activity, tracking annual job creation and destruction at the establishment level using elements not found in similar databases, such as firm age and size. Tracking by firm age, for example, allows users to distinguish between new establishments of new firms and new establishments of mature firms. These statistics are crucial to understanding current and historical entrepreneurial activity in the U.S.

“The Business Dynamics Statistics provide data users unprecedented information on the life cycle of U.S. businesses,” said Ron Jarmin, chief economist at the U.S. Census Bureau. “These rich new data will fundamentally change the way people think about job creation and economic growth.”

A number of key economic data items are tabulated by the Business Dynamics Statistics, including number of establishments, establishment openings and closings, employment, job creation and destruction, and job expansions and contractions.

Analysts and policymakers need to understand business activity and the process of job creation to enable informed decision making. One novel feature of the BDS is that the activity of young entrepreneurial businesses can be comprehensively tracked by industry, state and over time.

“The dynamics of businesses in our economy are so important to our economic growth, yet this is an area we are just beginning to understand. These data give the public, policy makers and researchers access to business dynamics information in a level of detail we have never had before,” said Robert Litan, vice president of research and policy at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.

The Business Dynamics Statistics results from a collaboration between the U.S. Census Bureau’s Center for Economic Studies and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. The information is compiled from a database of establishments and firms tracked over time known as the Longitudinal Business Database.

The Business Dynamics Statistics provide annual statistics from 1976 to 2005 by firm age and size. Annual files are also provided at the state level for Standard Industrial Classification sectors and for the economy as a whole.

Findings from the Business Dynamics Statistics include:

• States differ substantially in the creation and establishment of new businesses. States with higher entrepreneurial activity are in the West and Southwest, with as much as 12 percent of employment accounted for by young firms (less than 3 years old). In contrast, states with low entrepreneurial activity are in the East and Midwest, and have about 6 percent of employment accounted for by young firms.
• Establishments owned by younger firms grow faster, on average, than those owned by older firms. However, many young firms close shortly after they open, so the job destruction rate is also higher for establishments owned by younger firms. Hence, BDS shows the pattern for young businesses is one of “up or out,” with rapid net growth for survivors balanced by a high exit rate.
• The BDS shows that the fraction of employment accounted for by business startups in the U.S. private sector over the 1980-2005 period is about 3 percent per year. This exceeds the 1.8 percent average annual net employment growth. This pattern implies that job destruction exceeds job creation at existing businesses and highlights the importance of business startups for job creation in the U.S. economy.