Data Points: New resources and other noteworthy developments

In an unusual analysis of employment and wage data, the Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes a study on “The Effect of Business Ownership Change on Occupational Employment and Wages” in the September issue of its Monthly Labor Review. The study by BLS economist Dina Itkin finds that a change in ownership often leads to a drop in employment among workers in clerical or analytical jobs, as well as higher wages in those types of occupations.

Dynamic maps of subprime mortgage conditions in the United States are featured on the Federal Reserve’s website.  Select from a menu of characteristics of owner-occupied mortgage loans (share of ARMs, share in foreclosure, etc.) for states, counties, and zip codes.   Underlying data are updated periodically.

Looking for a comprehensive source for regional data?   The Bureau of Economic Analysis now offers “quick links” to a variety of statistics, including gross domestic product by state and metropolitan area, quarterly state personal income, and local area personal income and employment.  Links are provided to summaries of the latest reports, methodology, charts, and interactive maps.

In releasing its “Short Term Energy and Winter Fuels Outlook” on Oct. 7, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) projected that U.S. households will see costs for heating their homes rise by 15 percent this winter over last year.

The Census Bureau released estimates of health insurance coverage by age, sex, race, Hispanic origin, and income categories at the state level and by age, sex, and income at the county level.  Data (for 2005) are from its Small Area Health Insurance Estimates (SAHIE) for Counties and States.
You can use the interactive tables and download data sets for states and counties.

In an effort to clear up confusion about what the consumer price index (CPI) measures and how it is constructed, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has posted a “frequently asked questions” page on “Common Misperceptions about the Consumer Price Index.” These questions and answers summarize points made in an article in the August Monthly Labor Review, looking  “a number of longstanding myths that continue to circulate about the CPI.”