U.S. Census Bureau - Manufacturing, Mining and Construction Reports

Most USFSP business students are familiar with the American Fact Finder database from the U.S. Census Bureau for locating general demographic, social and economic characteristics of the U.S. population. The MCD - Manufacturing and Construction Division - is another division of the U.S. Census Bureau with a wealth of statistics for business research projects. Here you'll find construction statistics such as new residential permits and sales, the Construction Price Index, and Characteristics of New Housing (e.g., square footage, number of bathrooms, etc.). You'll also find manufacturing statistics such as the CIR-Current Industrial Reports, which provide monthly, quarterly, and annual production and shipment data on selected products manufactured in the U.S. (textiles, paints, aircraft engines, etc.) Government statistics are essential starting points for most industry and marketing research.