What does the statistical section of a CAFR typically include?

The statistical section of a Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) is designed to provide a wide range of information that helps stakeholders assess the financial condition and performance of a government over time. This section typically includes historical trends and data in governmental finance, such as demographic and economic statistics, revenue and expenditure trends, and information on tax revenues, debt capacity, and other financial metrics over a number of years.

This historical context allows users to better understand the long-term trends and changes in financial position, making it a vital component for investors, analysts, and the public to evaluate the ongoing fiscal health and stability of the entity. Such trends can highlight how external factors or policy decisions have impacted the financial landscape of the government entity.

The other options do not directly represent the contents of the statistical section. Details about current financial conditions are usually found in the financial statements, summaries of capital expenditures are typically part of the financial or notes sections, and audit opinions belong to the introductory section of the CAFR, reflecting compliance and internal control assessments rather than historical data.