What methodology is used to produce the various estimates published by the LAUS program?
There are a number of different methods used to produce the estimates. The principal ones are: (1) a signal-plus-noise time-series model for states, the District of Columbia, and the 8 substate areas listed in Question 2 above; (2) a building block approach referred to as the Handbook procedure for labor market areas; and (3) disaggregation procedures for many counties and virtually all cities. For a description of these procedures and their uses, see LAUS Estimation Methodology.
