Census Bureau Publishes Main Release of Annual Integrated Economic Survey Data for the First Time

The U.S. Census Bureau released the main set of data from the 2023 Annual Integrated Economic Survey (AIES), offering the first single, comprehensive annual snapshot of U.S. employer businesses. The AIES provides economic data — including business revenue, expenses, payroll and employment — at detailed geographies, which for many sectors were previously only available at the national level. Today’s release includes data at the national, regional and divisional levels, with state-level estimates available for selected sectors. “This release of data represents a significant step forward in the Census Bureau’s efforts to adapt to our ever-changing economy and transform our business statistics,” said Lisa Donaldson, assistant director for Economic Programs. “By combining breadth of coverage with new geographic detail, the AIES provides insights that will shape decisions across the public and private sectors.” More information about the significance and uses of AIES data is available in our blog, A More Timely, Comprehensive Look at the Economy: First Main Release of the Annual Integrated Economic Survey. Regional Estimates The release features sample statistics from each of the four census regions. The highlights below illustrate the type of information now available. Any ordering of selected industries based on numerical estimates is coincidental and has not been tested for statistical significance. These final estimates replace the preliminary First Look data released in July 2025. Midwest Automobile Dealers (NAICS 4411) generated an estimated $278.2 billion in revenue and employed an estimated 281,789 workers. Drugs and Druggists' Sundries Merchant Wholesalers (NAICS 4242) earned an estimated $298.6 billion in sales. Northeast Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing (NAICS 3254) employed an estimated 78,565 workers, with an estimated annual payroll of $8.8 billion. Hospitals (NAICS 622) earned an estimated $300.6 billion in revenue and employed an estimated 1,337,057 people. South Grocery Stores (NAICS 4451) brought in an estimated $337.5 billion in revenue and had an estimated annual payroll of $32.1 billion. Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution (NAICS 2211) employed an estimated 202,720 workers, with an estimated annual payroll of $24.4 billion. West Telecommunications (NAICS 517) earned an estimated $155.9 billion in revenue and had an estimated annual payroll of $19.6 billion. Data Processing, Hosting, and Related Services (NAICS 5182) employed an estimated 258,344 workers, with an estimated annual payroll of $30.4 billion. About the Annual Integrated Economic Survey The AIES covers domestic, private sector, and nonfarm employer businesses in operation for at least some part of 2023, located in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia, having paid employees, and classified in one of the nineteen in-scope sectors defined by the 2017 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). A sample of approximately 385,000 businesses is selected based on geographic location and industry. Estimates are not adjusted for price changes and may be subject to sampling variability and other sources of error. For more information (including coverage, confidentiality protection and sampling and nonsampling error), visit 2023 AIES Methodology. The U.S. Census Bureau has reviewed the 2023 AIES data products to ensure appropriate access, use and disclosure avoidance protection of the confidential source data.