ACS Data Users Group

 View Only

  • 1.  What's the difference? "5-Digit Zip Code" vs. ZCTA as Geo Choice

    Posted 12-08-2022 09:00 AM

    Just noticed this in data.census.gov.



  • 2.  RE: What's the difference? "5-Digit Zip Code" vs. ZCTA as Geo Choice

    Posted 12-08-2022 09:14 AM

    The Census Bureau does not release ACS data at the ZIP Code level, but instead for ZIP Code Tabulation Areas (ZCTAs), which are generalized representations of U.S. Postal Service ZIP Code service areas. The Census Bureau has a short video that explains how ZCTAs differ from ZIP Codes. However, it looks like 5-Digit Zip Codes are listed as a geography in data.census.gov because they are available in a limited set of Census Bureau data sets, such as County Business Patterns.



  • 3.  RE: What's the difference? "5-Digit Zip Code" vs. ZCTA as Geo Choice

    Posted 12-08-2022 09:29 AM

    It may be a little bit out of date, but I wrote this blog post about the difference a few years ago: www.policymap.com/.../what-are-zip-code-tabulation-areas



  • 4.  RE: What's the difference? "5-Digit Zip Code" vs. ZCTA as Geo Choice

    Posted 12-08-2022 09:43 AM

    Thanks. I fogort that other datasets are within this portal such as CBP. And thx again for reminder that ZCTA and USPS Zips are not always 1:1.