In October 2005, information about how much Americans spend for health care, groceries, clothing, transportation, housing and other items will be collected by U.S. Census Bureau field representatives from a sample of randomly selected households across the country.

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

• The CE Interview Survey — About 7,500 households will be interviewed once every three months to obtain data on relatively large expenditures and also for those that occur on a regular basis (such as rent and utilities).

• The CE Diary Survey — Over the year, another 7,500 households will keep two consecutive one-week diaries of all purchases — including small, frequently purchased items that are normally difficult for respondents to recall later (such as toothpaste, bread or for a hamburger from a fast-food restaurant).

     “The findings are invaluable to business owners and policy-makers in our communities,” said James Holmes, director of the Census Bureau’s Atlanta Regional Office. “They use the data to evaluate consumer needs and track changes in consumer spending.”

     Before the CE surveys begin, households receive a letter from Census Bureau Director Louis Kincannon informing them of their selection. Census Bureau field representatives conducting the interviews carry official photo identification badges. The law ensures survey respondents’ personal information and answers are kept confidential.

     The following data on the amount spent on transportation are an example of CE results. This amount includes money spent on vehicle purchases and maintenance, gas and public transportation.

Household Spending on Transportation: 2002-2003