Statistical Abstract of the United States is a reference book, issued annually, containing statistics of the United States.  The Bureau of Census compiles it and the Government Printing Office publishes it.  The Steely Library has printed versions from the years 1878, 1912, 1937, and 1942 to 1999 available on the third floor in the government section.  The 2000 edition is at the reference desk in the Steely Library and is also available on the Internet at http://www.census.gov/statab/www/.

The Statistical Abstract of the United States is a comprehensive book of statistics.  There are thirty-two sections, six appendices, and an index.  The sections are further subdivided into 3 to 6 subsections.  For example, section four is titled ‘Education’ and is divided into four subsections, ‘Education projections’, ‘School building conditions’, ‘Internet access’, and ‘degrees conferred’.  Appendix I consists of three guides: ‘The Guide to Sources of Statistics’, ‘The Guide to State Statistical Abstracts’, and ‘Guide to Foreign Statistical Abstracts’.  Appendix II has two sections, both being about the concepts, components, and population of metropolitan areas.  Appendix III is titled ‘Limitations of the Data’, and gives you insight about how the data was collected and its limitations.  Appendices IV, V, and VI, are titled ‘Weights and Measures’, ‘Tables Deleted from the 1999 Edition of the Statistical Abstract’, and ‘New Tables’, respectively.

Most Accountants would find something in the Statistical Abstract of the United States Useful.  An accountant looking for a new job could use the guide to locate a city or state that looks attractive from a population, demographic, or cost of living point of view.  It also provides accountants with their own business a guide to paying employees.  The Statistical Abstract of the United States has information on the number of degrees conferred during a given year, average compensation by state, and education projections.

Overall most accountants would probably not find this source very useful in day-to-day activities, but there are times when it could be used.