Introduction to Census Introduction to Census GeographyGeography
Presented by Jane Traynham and Presented by Jane Traynham and
Dan VeroffDan Veroff
SDC Boot Camp, October 13, 2009SDC Boot Camp, October 13, 2009
Two Categories of Census Two Categories of Census GeographyGeography
Legal and Administrative EntitiesLegal and Administrative Entities Result from legal actions, treaties, Result from legal actions, treaties,
ordinances, and so on. Boundaries generally ordinances, and so on. Boundaries generally accepted as provided by appropriate accepted as provided by appropriate authorities.authorities.
Statistical EntitiesStatistical Entities Evolve from practice, usage, or need. Evolve from practice, usage, or need.
Boundaries generally delineated using Boundaries generally delineated using Census Bureau criteria and guidelinesCensus Bureau criteria and guidelines
Census Geographic HierarchyCensus Geographic Hierarchy
ZCTA: Zip Code Tabulation Area
used for areas in which detailed zip code data is not available (rural areas, etc.)
TAZ: Traffic Analysis Zone
ANRC: Alaska Native Regional Corporation
SLD: State Legislative District
UGA: Urban Growth Area (Oregon)
Not listed here:
PUMAS (Public Use Microdata Areas)
Nested GeographiesNested GeographiesFrom Geographic Areas Reference ManualFrom Geographic Areas Reference Manual
203
Hierarchy of census geography
Counties are subdivided into census tracts – all tracts are unique within county
Hierarchy of census geography cont’d
Census tract boundaries
Block group boundaries
Tract 514201 split into 5142011 and 5142012
Census tract 514201
Block group 5142011 further divided into census blocks
The further in you zoom roads appear
The Usual SuspectsThe Usual SuspectsWisconsin
Dane CountyMadison MSA
Madison, WI Urban Area
Place: Madison City
Blocks
Census Tracts
Block Groups
What is a Census block?What is a Census block?
Par
k S
tree
t
Riv
er S
tree
t
First Street
Second Street
1001
1002
1003
1004 1005
1006
2021 2022
Wis
cons
in S
outh
ern
RR
Muskrat River
What is a Census Block?
Town of Muskrat
Village of Muskrat
Geography Reference ResourcesGeography Reference Resources
LINK to reference resources
LINK to geo terms
& concepts
Questions?Questions?
Top Related