United States Census Bureau:Weekly Pulse Newsletter

Weekly Pulse Newsletter The U.S. Census Bureau is in a unique position to produce data on the social and economic effects of COVID-19 on American households and small businesses.

Get the latest Pulse Survey releases. Stay up to date with COVID-19 data and Business Formation Statistics.

Weekly Pulse Newsletter

The U.S. Census Bureau is in a unique position to produce data on the social and economic effects of COVID-19 on American households and small businesses.
Small Business Pulse Survey Updates


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Based on responses collected March 29 through April 4, the Small Business Pulse Survey estimates that:


14.2% of U.S. Small Businesses experienced an increase in operating revenues/sales/receipts in the last week, marking the fifth consecutive week of reported increases




21.9% of U.S. Small Businesses have experienced little or no effect from the coronavirus pandemic, making it the largest estimate ever reported for this statistic




9.5% of U.S. Small Businesses experienced an increase in the number of hours worked by paid employees in the last week. For responses collected 3/22 - 3/28, this statistic was 9.0%


13.9% of U.S. Small Businesses have returned to their normal level of operations. For responses collected 3/22 – 3/28, this statistic was 13.0%


22.9% of U.S. Retail Trade small businesses experienced an increase in operating revenues in the last week, marking the first time on the SBPS that more companies reported an increase over a decrease, based on responses collected 3/29 – 4/4
11.5% of U.S. Small Businesses experienced foreign supplier delays in the last week based on responses collected 3/29 – 4/4 from the SBPS

The Expected Recovery Index, which summarizes the length of the expected recovery of businesses, has risen three weeks in a row to -0.51, indicating shorter expected recoveries.

Household Pulse Survey



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Data collection for Phase 3 of the Household Pulse Survey has concluded. Data collection for Phase 3.1 will begin on April 14 and continue through April 26. Data release will be approximately May 5.


17.4% of American adults expect someone in their household to experience a loss in employment income in the next 4 weeks


39.1% of adults live in households where at least one adult substituted some or all in-person work for telework because of the coronavirus pandemic


8.8% of American adults lived in households where there was either sometimes or often not enough to eat in the previous 7 days


6.3% of adults are not current on their rent or mortgage payment and have slight or no confidence in making their next payment on time


28.1% report eviction or foreclosure in the next two months is somewhat or very likely


28.9% of adults live in households where it has been somewhat or very difficult to pay usual household expenses during the coronavirus pandemic


71.1% of adults in households with post-secondary educational plans had those plans cancelled or changed significantly this fall


47.0% of adults have received a COVID-19 vaccine


Among adults who have yet to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, 47.7% definitely will get one when available


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COVID-19 Data Hub and More Resources



The Census Bureau has launched a new tool — the COVID-19 Data Hub — designed to help guide the nation as it begins recovery efforts from the sweeping COVID-19 pandemic by providing economic and demographic data. Version 2.1 is now available!
Read More


More Resources and Recent Releases:
Looking for local data on how to reach the most vulnerable populations in your area? Use our Community Resilience Estimates (CRE) and Dashboard!
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic Resource Page
Taking the Pulse of American Households During COVID-19


Providing Perspective During COVID-19 Using Census Data
Business Formation Statistics Updates

The release of the March 2021 BFS data will come out later this month. See link below for data, graphs, and more.
Latest Updates

About the Data

About the Census Bureau

We serve as the nation's leading provider of quality data about its people and economy. The Census Bureau is the federal government's largest statistical agency. We are a scientific organization focused on data. Policy-makers, businesses, and the public use our information to make far-reaching decisions.