Commerce Department Releases Report on Economic Impact of 2010 Census

ESA Contact: Jane Callen
(202) 482-2235

A new report from the Commerce Department’s Economics and Statistics Administration examines the possible effects of the 2010 Census on the U.S. economy. The report describes the complexities associated with arriving at precise estimates when considering a project of the magnitude and duration of the Decennial enumeration.

The report finds that 2010 Census operations may have an impact on economic indicators related to jobs and economic growth. Specifically, the report estimates that the hiring of temporary 2010 Census workers may increase the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) nonfarm payroll employment estimate by over one half-million in May. The report also finds that 2010 Census hiring may decrease the unemployment rate by several tenths of a percentage point. Finally, 2010 Census spending could boost second quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by approximately one quarter percentage point at an annual rate.

Report—PDF