Fact Check: "Enumerators track prices in 75 urban areas for inflation data."
What We Know
The claim that "enumerators track prices in 75 urban areas for inflation data" is supported by multiple sources. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is responsible for calculating the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which is a critical measure of inflation. According to the BLS, they gather data on prices from approximately 22,000 retail and service establishments across 75 urban areas in the United States (Consumer Price Index Summary - 2025 M05 Results, Consumer Price Index News Release - 2025 M05 Results). This data collection is essential for constructing the CPI, which reflects the cost of a representative market basket of goods and services purchased by urban consumers (Q&A: What is the consumer price index? An economist ...).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim is robust, as it comes directly from the BLS, a reputable government agency known for its statistical data. The BLS explicitly states that it collects price data from 75 urban areas, which aligns with the claim being fact-checked. Furthermore, the BLS's methodology involves gathering price information from around 22,000 retail and service establishments, ensuring a comprehensive overview of price changes across various sectors (Consumer Price Index Summary - 2025 M05 Results, Consumer Price Index News Release - 2025 M05 Results).
The reliability of the BLS as a source is high, given its established reputation and the rigorous standards it follows in data collection and reporting. Additionally, the information is corroborated by independent analyses, such as those found in economic discussions about the CPI (America's economic data are becoming murkier).
However, while the claim is accurate, it is important to note that the BLS's data collection process is complex and involves various factors, including the selection of urban areas and the types of goods and services tracked. This complexity may not be fully captured in the simplified claim.
Conclusion
Needs Research: While the claim that enumerators track prices in 75 urban areas for inflation data is accurate, further research is needed to understand the nuances of the CPI calculation process, including how the selected urban areas are determined and the specific methodologies employed in data collection. The BLS provides a solid foundation for this claim, but a deeper exploration into their methods and the implications of this data would provide a more comprehensive understanding.
