When you think of summer, what comes to mind? No school? Going to the beach? Family vacations?

One thing you definitely don’t think of is the U.S. Census Bureau. So, think again because the Census Bureau has an endless amount of fun and important statistics on a wide variety of summer-related topics.

For example, there are 4,396 Recreational Vehicle (RV) campgrounds in the United States, according to the 2016 County Business Patterns.

Additionally, data from the Quarterly Services Survey shows that revenue generated from RV parks and recreational camps in 2018 peaked at $2.1 billion in the third quarter.

If camping isn’t your passion or your business, you might visit or operate one of the 579 amusement and theme parks throughout the United States. Revenue from amusement parks and arcades in 2018 peaked at $6.9 billion in the third quarter, according to the Quarterly Services Survey.

These are just two of many examples of how Census Bureau data can be applied to relevant topics, regardless of the season.

Here’s a sampling of other seasonal statistics:

• It's never too early to start booking that summer trip. The Census Bureau's Quarterly Services Survey found that “Travel Arrangement and Reservation Service” revenue (seasonally adjusted) was already up 2.5% to $12.5 billion in the first quarter of 2019.
• Eating out is fun any month of the year but often necessary when traveling. The 2016 County Business Patterns found that there are 553,102 restaurants and other eating places to choose from in the United States.

Whether your taste buds are craving Italian, Mexican or seafood cuisine, the Census Bureau can serve you a healthy side of statistics with your preferred choice. According to the 2012 Economic Census, there are 21,344 Italian full-service restaurant establishments, 21,759 Mexican, and 11,840 seafood full-service restaurants nationwide.

• After eating, comes shopping. According to the Annual Retail Trade Survey, the United States retail trade sector had sales of $5,046.9 billion in 2017. Of that total, $258.5 billion were spent at clothing and clothing accessories stores across the country.
• You’ve shopped till you dropped, now it’s time to relax. How about playing a round of golf? According to the 2016 County Business Patterns, there are 11,037 golf courses and country clubs establishments to choose from in the United States.

These are just a few examples of how the Census Bureau’s statistics can cross over into so many of our everyday routines and topics of interest. For business owners, it can keep them connected to the changing economic landscape.