Current Population Survey
The Current Population Survey (CPS), sometimes known as the household survey, is a continual survey operated by the Census Bureau and BLS.
Usage
See here for notes on the public use microdata.
Design
Sampling
The CPS utilizes a multi-level probability sample of about 60,000 occupied housing units. It is designed to reflect the civilian noninstitutionalized U.S. population.
Each state plus D.C. is an independent sample.
Mode
The CPS is administered as a phone survey. For the first month, most respondents are visited in-person.
Frequency
The CPS questionnaire asks questions concerning the prior week. Households are contacted for four consecutive months. After eight months of non-contact, they are again contacted for another four consecutive months.
Updated estimates are published on the first Friday of every month. (If this falls on a public holiday, the release is pushed to Thursday.) The public use microdata is published as the 'Basic Monthly CPS' as is available from services including MDAT. The Current Employment Statistics (CES) program which encompasses this 'household survey' alongside the payroll survey, publishes a monthly 'Employment Situation' report.
Supplemental surveys that cover additional topics are included in the CPS administration. For example, the Annual Social and Economic (ASEC) supplement is included every year in March and published in the Fall. Some supplements have been included on an ad hoc basis.
History
The CPS began in 1940. In 1942, the Census Bureau was made responsible for its administration.