Estimating the Number of Street Vendors in New York City: Ratio Estimation with Point Process Data

Abstract

We estimate the number of street vendors in New York City. First, we summarize the process by which vendors receive licenses and permits to operate legally in New York City. We then describe a survey that was administered by the Street Vendor Project while distributing coronavirus relief aid to vendors operating in New York City both with and without a license or permit. Finally, we review ratio estimation and develop a theoretical justification based on the theory of point processes. We find approximately 23,000 street vendors operate in New York City: 20,500 mobile food vendors and 2,400 general merchandise vendors. One third are located in just six ZIP Codes: 11368 (16%), 11372 (3%), and 11354 (3%) in North and West Queens and 10036 (5%), 10019 (4%), and 10001 (3%) in the Chelsea and Clinton neighborhoods of Manhattan. Our estimates suggest the American Community Survey misses the majority of New York City street vendors.