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Household survey (Current Population Survey)

Also called Current Population Survey, CPS.

The monthly survey of about 60,000 households, run by the Census Bureau for BLS, behind the unemployment rate.

Interviewers ask about each household member's work activity during the week that includes the 12th of the month. Source 1

It counts people, not jobs, and it includes the self-employed. Source 2

Related terms

Where it comes up

Sources

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics: How the government measures unemployment (opens in a new tab)
  2. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Monthly Employment Situation report: quick guide to methods and measurement issues (opens in a new tab)

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