Methodology

How Was This Database Built?

infoUSA compiles an address list of businesses from its sources and telephone verifications. Latitude and longitude coordinates and a census geographic code are geocoded and appended to each business site address. Most businesses are coded at the address level and assigned to a census block group. Businesses not classified to a block group are assigned to a census tract or county.

To maintain accuracy and add detail to the database, infoUSA references

• Yellow pages and business white pages
• Annual reports
• Form 10-K and other Securities and Exchange Commission information
• Federal, state, and municipal government data
• Business magazines
• Newspapers and newsletters
• U.S. Postal Service information

To ensure that the database is accurate and complete, infoUSA conducts annual telephone verifications with every business listed in the database.

Methodology Statement

See also Methodology Statement: infoUSA Business Database [PDF].