Sources of Data

Consumer Expenditure data is based on a government survey used to collect information on the buying habits of American consumers.  The data is also required for periodic revision of the Consumer Price Index (CPI).  The survey, which is conducted annually by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is used by Devonshire to estimate Consumer Spending for products and services.

Industry/Data Groups

Consumer Expenditures include (but are not limited to) the following categories:

Food Consumed at Home Food Consumed Away from Home Housing Apparel Health Care Transportation

Entertainment Personal Care Products & Services Reading Education Personal Insurance & Pensions Cash Contributions

County Methodology

The Consumer Expenditure Survey is used by Devonshire to determine Consumer Spending Potential for products and services.  The potential, reported in dollars, is disaggregated into age and income categories at the national, state, and county levels.  The reported potential dollar expenditures are accounted for by variations in the number of households, disposable income, racial distribution, household size, number of homeowners, regionality, and metropolitan status of an area.

Devonshire applies a combination of two different techniques to estimate Consumer Spending Potential.  Multivariate modeling techniques (using parameters such as regionalization, household size, ethnicity, gender, and population density) are applied to determine appropriate weights of consumption patterns for age and income groups.  Based on Devonshire's latest household estimates at the county level and the consumption weight, the potential dollar amount for products and services is reported.

Blockgroup, Census Tract, ZIP Code Methodology

Using a method similar to that for counties, Devonshire estimates Consumer Spending Potential at the Blockgroup, Census Tract and ZIP Code levels.