For more detailed information about YourEconomy.org (YE), click on the About tab on the top navigation bar.

Can I see current year data?

Not directly. The current year in the National Establishment Time-Series (NETS) release draws information from several current-year Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) databases to better track and confirm changes at establishments in previous years. This process of looking forward a year is combined with a process that looks back across several years to adjust establishment information that may have changed or has been discovered recently. These adjustments provide a more complete picture of establishment changes and better describe the dynamics of the U.S. economy.

When is the data updated?

Each spring a new year of NETS data is updated into YE each spring. We also run the data in the fall to incorporate any changes or adjustments that come to our attention.

Why are there so many more businesses in YE than I see reported in my community?

NETS data includes registered owners and owning partners of establishments as employees. So if you’re a one-person (self-employed) business, you’re counted!

What industries are included in YE?

All! BLS statistics don’t include state and local government workers or railroad workers, and Census BITS statistics exclude crop and animal production, rail transportation, National Postal Service, pension, health, welfare, and vacation funds, trusts, estates, and agency accounts, private households, and public administration. In contrast, the NETS database includes all of these groups.

I noticed an increase in total establishments and jobs in the 2007 (2008 NETS year) data release that seem to affect (increase totals) past years?

D&B and Walls & Associates have added more than two million "cottage" establishments in the 2008 NETS release, which they’ve been tracking for a while. This means that not only do 2007 and 2008 have greater coverage; but because many of those establishments have start dates well before 2007, they impact the number of establishments throughout the time-series (although most dramatically since 2000).

What counties are included in an MSA?

A list of counties that make up an MSA will display under the MSA name when selected.

What if I can’t see the maps or graphs on the summary page?

To best view and navigate YE, you will need Flash version 8 or higher.

Is there a mobile version of YE?

If you are accessing YE via a mobile browser (preferably Safari via iPhone/iPod Touch) or an older Web browser, you’ll automatically be directed to our mobile site.