Weekly Pulse Newsletter

The U.S. Census Bureau is in a unique position to produce data on the social and economic effects of COVID-19 on American households and small businesses.

Phase 2 responses will be released every Thursday at 10 a.m.

Small Business Pulse Survey Updates

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Based on responses collected August 9 through August 15, the Small Business Pulse Survey estimates that during the COVID-19 pandemic:

33.0% of U.S. small businesses have experienced a large negative effect from the COVID-19 pandemic
47.2% of U.S. small businesses believe more than 6 months of time will pass before their business returns to its normal level of operations
74.5% of U.S. small businesses have requested financial assistance from the Paycheck Protection Program
50.8% of U.S. retail trade businesses have experienced domestic supplier delays in the last week
69.0% of U.S. educational services businesses believe more than 6 months will pass before their business returns to normal operations
38.5% of small businesses in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA Metro Stat Area have experienced a large negative effect from COVID-19
40.5% of small businesses in the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA Metro Stat Area have experienced decreased operating revenues in the last week
32.5% of U.S. small businesses have experienced decreased operating revenues in the last week

In the last week, did this business have a change in operating revenues/sales/receipts, not including any financial assistance or loans? 8/16 to 8/22.

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COVID-19 Data Hub and More Resources

The Census Bureau has launched a new tool — the COVID-19 Data Hub — designed to help guide the nation as it begins recovery efforts from the sweeping COVID-19 pandemic by providing economic and demographic data. Version 1.3 is now available!

More Resources and Recent Releases:

Business Formation Statistics Updates

The Census Bureau recently released the updated weekly Business Formation Statistics (BFS) series with business application data at the national, regional, and state levels through the week ending August 15.

Latest Updates

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Business Applications with Planned Wages by U.S. State. Percent Change from 2019 Week 34 to 2020 Week 34.

New Census Bureau data shows year-to-year changes in weekly state Business Applications with Planned Wages.

Household Pulse Survey

The U.S. Census Bureau has targeted mid-August to resume data collection for the experimental Household Pulse Survey. The Household Pulse Survey was temporarily suspended to allow the Census Bureau to prepare for a second phase of data collection. As part of the second phase, the agency has reviewed the questionnaire to ensure that the information collected continue to be timely and relevant given the continuing nature of the pandemic.

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About the Census Bureau

We serve as the nation's leading provider of quality data about its people and economy. The Census Bureau is the federal government's largest statistical agency. We are a scientific organization focused on data. Policy-makers, businesses, and the public use our information to make far-reaching decisions.

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