Labor Market Resources
U.S. Census Bureau
U.S. Census Bureau provides data from various surveys, including the American Community Survey, Economic Census, and Population Estimates Program.
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Bureau of Labor Statistics measures labor market activity, working conditions, and price changes. Key data sources include:
- Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages
- Economy at a Glance
- State and Area Employment, Hours, and Earnings
ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Report
Focuses on households that earn about the Federal Poverty Level but below the cost of living. Highlights struggles as wages lag behind essential costs.
ALICE is an acronym for asset limited, income constrained, employed – households that earn more than the Federal Poverty Level but less than the basic cost of living for the county (the ALICE Threshold). While conditions have improved for some households, many continue to struggle, especially as wages fail to keep pace with the cost of household essentials (housing, child care, food, transportation, health care, and a basic smartphone plan.
City-Data.com and MyMove.com/cities
- City-Data.com: Aggregates public records, real estate trends, demographic data, and more.
- MyMove.com: Compares cost of living and salaries between cities, with additional resources for those considering relocation.
Cluster Mapping
Cluster Mapping is used by officials and businesses to understand and shape the competitive landscape for various industries.
Cost of Living Index
Cost of Living Index is compiled by the Council for Community and Economic Research, this index compares the cost of living among urban areas, widely used by economists and corporations.