Business demography

Business demography encompasses the application of demographic concepts, data, and techniques to the practical concerns of business decision makers. This loosely organized field includes—but is not limited to—site selection, sales forecasting, financial planning, market assessment, consumer profiles, target marketing, litigation support, and labor force analysis. Specific applications have evolved over time, reflecting changes in data sources, computer technology, statistical techniques, and the business environment itself. In this article, we survey the major features of this eclectic and rapidly changing field, focusing on the United States.