This report describes the concepts and methods used in the Census Bureau's Current Population Survey which is conducted each month with a scientifically selected sample representing the noninstitutional civilian population of the United States. This survey provides monthly statistics on employment, unemployment, and related subjects which are analyzed and published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor.¹

These monthly statistics are first issued in a summary press release within 2 weeks after completion of the survey. More detailed information is published in the Labor Department's Employment and Earnings. Both publications also incorporate data from surveys of business establishments.

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¹ ln addition to the collection of labor force data, the Current Population Survey is used by the Bureau of the Census to collect statistics on education, migration, family size and composition, income, fertility, and housing vacancies. On an increasing scale, it has also been used to collect information for many other Government agencies on a wide range of subjects which are best approached through household interviews.