Consumer Expenditure Survey, 1960-1961

This data collection includes detailed information on the purchasing habits of Americans in 1960-1961, with over 200 types of expenditures coded. For the first time since 1941, the Consumer Expenditure Survey sampled both urban, non-farm and rural, farm households in an attempt to provide a complete picture of consumer expenditures in the United States. Personal interviews were conducted in 1960 and 1961 (and a small number in 1959) with 9,476 urban families, 2,285 rural non-farm families, and 1,967 rural farm families, for a total of 13,728 consumer units interviewed. A complete account of family income and outlays was compiled for a calendar year, as well as household characteristics. The expenditures covered by the survey were those which respondents could recall fairly accurately for three months or longer. In general, these expenditures included relatively large purchases, such as those for property, automobiles, and major appliances, or expenditures that occurred on a fairly regular basis, such as rent, utilities, or insurance premiums. Expenditures incurred while on trips were also covered by the survey. Information to determine net changes in the family's assets and liabilities during the year was also gathered. The estimated value of goods and services received, as gifts or otherwise, without direct expenditures by the family, was requested also. In addition, farm families provided farm receipts, disbursements, changes in farm assets, and value of home-produced food. To supplement the annual data, non-farm families who prepared meals at home provided a detailed seven-day record, during the week prior to the interview, of expenditures for food and related items purchased frequently (e.g., tobacco, personal care, and household supplies). For selected items of clothing, house furnishings, and food, the record of expenditures was supplemented by information on quantities purchased and prices paid. Characteristics of the housing occupied by homeowners and renters and an inventory of the major items of house furnishing they owned also were recorded. Demographic information includes sex, age, years of school completed, occupation, race, and marital status of each familymember.