IPUMS-CPS: An Integrated Version of the March Current Population Survey, 1962–2002

Abstract

The Minnesota Population Center (MPC) is creating an integrated version of the March U.S. Current Population Survey (CPS) covering the years 1962–2002. The CPS is one of the few comprehensive data sources available for researching social and economic trends between decennial censuses. The survey also includes useful information—such as employment patterns and participation in social welfare programs—that is not available in the census. The new database will be compatible with the decennial census data available in the Integrated Public Use Microdata Series (IPUMS). For variables found in both sources, the integrated CPS will use IPUMS codes, and the documentation and data access system for the CPS data will be based on IPUMS principles and infrastructure.