Updated at 7:20 a.m., Friday, March 30, 2007
Census Bureau to ask residents about spending habits
Advertiser Staff
Starting in April, the U.S. Census Bureau will be collecting information from more than 27,500 households across the United States to see how and where Americans spend their money.Field representatives will collect information by interviewing 15,000 households from across the United States once every three months to obtain data on rent and utilities and other major purchases.
Another 12,500 househoulds 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 a fast-food purchase at a drive-through window, a soda or candy bar from a vending machine, or a carton of eggs from the supermarket).Groceries, clothing, transportation, housing, healthcare and other items are included.
The data will later be released in two surveys that will provide a look at the nation's economy and spending habits.
Some households in Hawai'i will 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. The law ensures survey respondents' personal information and answers are kept confidential.
The 2004-2005 survey showed Honoluu's average annual income spent for transportation was $9,921, or 18.1 percent of a household's total expenditures. The national averages for the United States were $8,081 and 18.0 percent.
