Statistical Abstract of the United States

The Statistical Abstract of the United States was a publication of the United States Census Bureau, an agency of the United States Department of Commerce. Published annually since 1878, the statistics described social and economic conditions in the United States.

The U.S. Census Bureau stopped publishing the Statistical Abstract of the United States with the 2012 edition. It stopped compiling the data on which it is based, along with the supplemental products, as of October 1, 2011. The Census Bureau said:

“ The U.S. Census Bureau is terminating the collection of data for the Statistical Compendia program effective October 1, 2011. The Statistical Compendium program comprises the Statistical Abstract of the United States and its supplemental products -- the State and Metropolitan Area Data Book and the County and City Data Book. In preparation for the Fiscal Year 2012 (FY 2012) budget, the Census Bureau did a comprehensive review of a number of programs and had to make difficult proposals to terminate and reduce a number of existing programs in order to acquire funds for higher priority programs. The decision to propose the elimination of this program was not made lightly. To access the most current data, please refer to the organizations cited in the source notes for each table of the Statistical Abstract.[1] ”

Washington Post columnist Robert J. Samuelson wrote, "This is a mighty big loss for a mighty small saving." The agency’s 2012 budget would eliminate the Statistical Compendia Branch, which compiles the Statistical Abstract and other publications (such as the “County and City Data Book”). This would save $2.9 million and cut 24 jobs. Both the book and online versions of the Statistical Abstract would vanish. The American Library Association, representing about 16,700 public libraries and more than 100,000 academic and school libraries, is arguing to keep the Statistical Abstract. Alesia McManus, library director at Howard Community College in Columbia, started a Facebook page and launched a petition dedicated to reversing the decision, wrote Samuelson. He quoted one librarian as writing, “If the library were on fire, this would be the reference book I would try and save first,” and another saying, The “Statistical Abstract has for years been one of the top five reference books used by students and faculty at South Dakota State University.” Samuelson said he didn't think the librarians' protest would have much effect.[2]

Joseph Dionne[3] and Paul Krugman[4] published columns agreeing with Samuelson.

ProQuest has announced it will continue the series, in co-operation with Bernan Press.[5]

In 1975 a two volume Historical Statistics of the United States, Colonial Times to 1970 Bicentennial Edition was published.

The 2010 (129th Edition) Statistical Abstract of the United States contains 30 sections, 926 pages and over 1300 individual tables covering over 200 topics including income and wealth, imports-exports, agriculture, energy production and consumption, natural resources and some international comparisons. All information is downloadable in PDF and Excel spreadsheet formats. The statistical abstract is the standard summary of statistics on the social, political, and economic organization of the United States. It is also designed to serve as a guide to other statistical publications and sources.

Abbreviated section contents and appendixes

Sec. 1. Population (Tables 1−77)

Sec. 2. Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Divorces (Tables 78−126)

Sec. 3. Health and Nutrition (Tables 127−213)

Sec. 4. Education (Tables 214−294)

Sec. 5. Law Enforcement, Courts, and Prisons (Tables 295−345)

Sec. 6. Geography and Environment (Tables 346−384)

Sec. 7. Elections (Tables 385−415)

Sec. 8. State and Local Government Finances and Employment (Tables 416−456)

Sec. 9. Federal Government Finances and Employment (Tables 457−490)

Sec. 10. National Security and Veterans Affairs (Tables 491−525)

Sec. 11. Social Insurance and Human Services (Tables 526−573)

Sec. 12. Labor Force, Employment, and Earnings (Tables 574−650)

Sec. 13. Income, Expenditures, Poverty, and Wealth (Tables 651−707)

Sec. 14. Prices (Tables 708−727)

Sec. 15. Business Enterprise (Tables 728−774)

Sec. 16. Science and Technology (Tables 775−799)

Sec. 17. Agriculture (Tables 800−847)

Sec. 18. Forestry, Fishing, and Mining (Tables 848−887)

Sec. 19. Energy and Utilities (Tables 888−925)

Sec. 20. Construction and Housing (Tables 926−971)

Sec. 21. Manufactures (Tables 972−1007)

Sec. 22. Wholesale and Retail Trade (Tables 1008−1028)

Sec. 23. Transportation (Tables 1029−1090)

Sec. 24. Information and Communications (Tables 1091−1124)

Sec. 25. Banking, Finance, and Insurance (Tables 1125−1190)

Sec. 26. Arts, Recreation, and Travel (Tables 1191−1235)

Sec. 27. Accommodation, Food Services, and Other Services (Tables 1236−1249)

Sec. 28. Foreign Commerce and Aid (Tables 1250−1276)

Sec. 29. Puerto Rico and the Island Areas (Tables 1277−1292)

Sec. 30. International Statistics (Tables 1293−1369)

Appendix I. Guides to Sources of Statistics, State Statistical Abstracts and Foreign Statistical Abstracts

Appendix II. Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas: Concepts, Components, and Population

Appendix III. Limitations of the Data

Appendix IV. Weights and Measures

Appendix V. Tables Deleted From the 2009 Edition of the Statistical Abstract

Supplements

Two specialized data series issued irregularly by the Census Bureau constitute Statistical Abstract supplements:

External links

References

  1. ↑ U.S. Census Bureau, The 2012 Statistical Abstract. What is the Statistical Abstract?
  2. ↑ Don’t kill America’s databook, Robert J. Samuelson, Washington Post, August 21, 2011
  3. ↑ Bob Samuelson (and statistical abstract) appreciation day, 08/22/2011
  4. ↑ Save the Statistical Abstract, August 22, 2011
  5. ↑ ProQuest and Bernan Pick up Where the Census Bureau Left Off: The Statistical Abstract of the United States is BACK!
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