Know Your State, Economically Speaking

People in Hawaii spent an average of $609 per person at fast-food
restaurants in 2002, more than the residents of any other state. Delaware
has the highest annual per capita spending at shoe stores ($128).

Economically speaking, every state leads the nation at something. You
can find these facts at Top-Ranked States by Industry, a new U.S. Census
Bureau Web page that highlights state-level findings from the 2002 Economic
Census.

The economic census is conducted every five years -- those ending in 2
and 7. More than 4 million businesses have received 2007 Economic Census
questionnaires, which are to be returned by Feb. 12.

“The economic census is the most comprehensive measure of America's
economy,” said Tom Mesenbourg, the Census Bureau's associate director for
economic programs. "Economic census data provide hard figures that
businesses need to assess where they stand in the marketplace and where
they have a competitive advantage."

Details about all 50 states plus the District of Columbia can be mined
from the 2002 Economic Census. According to the census, law offices are
thriving in Washington, D.C., ranking the highest in receipts per resident
at $15,839. Enough tortillas are manufactured in California to average $17
in annual shipments for every man, woman and child in the state. Residents
of Washington state spent more at the dentist than residents of any other
state ($374). Tennessee’s musical groups and artists earned more on a per
capita basis than any other state ($65). Bowling alleys grossed more than
$25 per person in Wisconsin. Alaska led the nation in revenue per person
for chiropractors’ offices ($58).

The 2007 Economic Census is under way now, with businesses that received
forms required by law to respond. Information about individual firms is
kept confidential, and only aggregate industry data are published.

Interesting facts about the 2007 Economic Census, including the number
of forms sent to each state, local area or industry, can be found at <>. Businesses needing assistance with their
forms, reporting electronically, or with questions regarding the economic
census, may go to .